Memphis Grizzlies Media Day Highlights: Dave Joerger
By Nir Regev
Mar 24, 2014; Memphis, TN, USA; Memphis Grizzlies head coach Dave Joerger reacts to a call during the first half against the Minnesota Timberwolves at FedExForum. Mandatory Credit: Nelson Chenault-USA TODAY Sports
Dave Joerger joins Grizzlies.com Official Media Day webcast at 32:00 ending at 37:32. The second year Memphis Grizzlies coach answered questions from both the host and Twitter fans.
Grizzlies.com: What was your summer like? Are you watching video footage of the Grizzlies or how to beat those guys in San Antonio?
Dave Joerger:
No Tan:
Joerger jokes he doesn’t have a tan like the host, because he’s been indoors working like a mad scientist. Spent a lot of time watching video footage when the summer started in May. Focus on the draft and what the needs were.
Summer League:
Joerger enjoyed playing the Orlando Magic in July at Las Vegas. Describes a solid and shorter atmosphere. Joerger feels summer league was great for Jarnell Stokes and Jordan adams. Mentions a few times being very impressed with Luke Hancock, who was playing for Houston at the time.
Changes:
Joerger states the team relaxed a little bit at the end of July and cranked it up late August. Joerger says with a team that’s pretty successful, it’s silly to throw in a ton of stuff. The main changes will be adding Vince Carter and Quincy Pondexter to the mix.
Fan Twitter Question: What will be the biggest impact that Vince Carter gives to this team?
Dave Joerger: He gives a secondary playmaker, top 5 pick and roll player as a ball handler. Joerger feels the Grizzlies need more playmaking. There’s times he’ll play with a certain group, other times a lineup that gives a different look.
Grizzlies.com: You mention you don’t want to change a lot from a 50 win team that pushed OKC to a Game 7. Are there things you learned in the first season that you will change, adjust or tweak in your second season? Based on your first season experience.
Dave Joerger: Joerger jokes he’ll do everything he can to make sure Marc Gasol doesn’t get hurt (laughs). He wants a quicker start both in games and at the start of the season. He says they start games too slow, and get crazy at the end. Joerger says they’re one of the best fourth quarter teams in the league, but it’s not enough. Quicker start heavily emphasized.
Grizzlies.com: You added Jeff Bzdelik added as an assistant coach. What’s your reason and rational for adding the veteran assistant coach to the mix?
Dave Joerger: Jeff is a good communicator and players like him. He’s been around longer than he looks and keeps himself in great shape (laughs). 20 years in the NBA. He likes Jeff’s defensive focus. Maybe Joerger will be able to step back a little bit and compliment his defensive focus.
However, they’re still following Joerger’s defensive game plan from last season. He states coming to an existing group can be a challenge. Joerger feels the Grizzlies have great staff chemistry. Jeff fits into that existing group.
Grizzlies.com: This is veteran team. Not a whole lot of minutes. What do you expect from the rookies?
Dave Joerger: They need to practice really hard every day. Jordan and Jarnell have gotten better all through September. Joerger emphasizes the difference came from playing against pros. Joerger compliments Jordan Adams by saying he’s not a ‘mistakes player’ at all. Jarnell is going to have to know two positions, being a great practice guy and whatever minutes come.
Joerger is comfortable putting Jordan in a game. He’s not worried he’ll try to do something he can’t do. Savvy, crafty player, can get to the free throw line well. Joerger feels Jordan Adams is ready to go. He’s gotta learn the game, but he’s been working very hard.
Wrap Up:
Dave Joerger jokes if that’s all the time we got when the host wraps up. When asked if he wants to stay longer, he laughs and says it’s fine, he better start making the rounds with the rest of the media.