The Memphis Grizzlies are putting the finishing touches on their preparation for the NBA season, which tips off in a few weeks. The early training camp grind has given way to preseason games that give the coaches a better chance to evaluate the players.
Coach Marc Ivaroni and his staff are putting together a unit that is being marketed as “Young and Hungry.”
When the Grizzlies held their first public workout at the FedExForum, Ivaroni said the manner in which the team plays will determine what kind of following it will have.
“We will have to determine if we are a fun team to watch,”
he said.
The Grizzlies took to the road for the first exhibition in Houston. The sojourn ended with a loss, although the Rockets were forced to hold on to register the win.
The next night the Grizzlies were back at home to host the Washington Wizards and suffered a second setback. Ivaroni detected too much one-on-one play and a lack of defensive intensity.
It appeared Ivaroni’s charges got the message and showed improvement by upending the Charlotte Bobcats and Indiana. The 103-95 thrashing of the Pacers at the FedExForum Monday night drew praise from Ivaroni.
“I thought we played cohesively and shot the ball better. We played defense and created 20 turnovers.”
The starters – forwards Rudy Gay and Darko Millicici, center Marc Gasol, and guards Mike Conley and O.J. Mayo – all scored in double figures. Mayo was on target with 26 points.
“I haven’t made up my mind yet,”
Ivaroni said when asked about the opening-day lineup.
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