Summer League Link Dump

A lot has happened with the Grizzlies since our last link dump. We’ve covered it as best we could, but we figured it was probably a good time to get some other opinions/thoughts on what all has happened.

May 3, 2013; Memphis, TN, USA; Memphis Grizzlies small forward Donte Greene (13) during pre game warm ups before game six of the first round of the 2013 NBA Playoffs against the Los Angeles Clippers at FedEx Forum. Mandatory Credit: Spruce Derden-USA TODAY Sports

Grizzlies Summer League Comes Down to Tony Wroten: by Grizzly Bear Blues

"In his fourth game, however, Wroten looked like the best player on the basketball court against a Wizards team that was without Otto Porter. There was no doubt who the NBA talent was, and little doubt as to what the objective was — win, maybe, but definitely continue to let Wroten work on his game. as a result, he found it; found a swagger of sorts that translated in his game and showed in his body language."

Some Alternate Summer League Observations, against the Suns and Wizards: by Grizzly Bear Blues

"One of the most positive things from the game is that the players seem to have really started playing for each other. Many players come into summer league with the mindset of making it ‘their personal showcase’, but if they were smart they would know that every single NBA front office is looking for guys who are team players that can fit in their *team’s* scheme. The Grizzlies summer league team seems to have figured that out. When Jack Cooley fought hard and scored a nice putback layup, Wroten was just as happy as Cooley jumping up and down and screaming on the bench."

Grizzlies Still Need a Shooter; Maybe they Can Trade for One?: by Grizzly Bear Blues

"In this post, I will focus on a player I think can be had for super-cheap – perhaps nothing. This player, despite being just 24 years old and a former top 10 pick, saw a reduced role last year. What’s worse, his team has already brought in another player to play ahead of him. To add to the confusion, this player has actually shown the across-the-board improvement you would expect from year 1 to year 2, and still has areas where he can improve in the future.So why might he be available? Probably because his name is Jimmer Fredette."

On the Grizzlies Free Agency: by Grizz Flyer Blog

"What to make of the Grizzlies in-action this deep into the free agency period? Among players who seemed to fit the Grizzlies roster goals and price range, there are a few who went for deals I would have liked the Grizzlies to ink: Mike Dunleavy for two years and $6 million to Chicago…Others I don’t mind the team missing out on: Two guaranteed years for Carlos Delfino (to Milwaukee) coming off an injury. Two years and $3.5 million for unproven Italian forward Gigi Datome (to Detroit). But somewhere in all of this there should be a match for what the Grizzlies have to spend, right?"

Grades for Summer League So Far: by Grizz Flyer Blog

"It’s very much an open question whether Wroten’s enticing blend of size and skill suggests true NBA potential or merely “Strotential.” But, for me, two games in Vegas didn’t really move the needle much on that uncertainty, for better or worse…He can’t shoot (0-7 from three) and needs to develop more consistency and modulate his tendency to go for the highlight play. Can he put his size and athleticism to the service of sound NBA defense?"

On Needing to Start Quincy Pondexter: Beale Street Bears

"Where does the appeal in starting Pondexter start? Well, first of all, it comes from the Grizzlies’ desperate need for three-point shooting. They re-signed shooting guard Tony Allen, the defensive life force of the team who is notorious for his lack of shooting ability. Big men Zach Randolph and Marc Gasol have excellent range for big men, but their effectiveness is from working in tandem from mid-range and in. Mike Conley can hit threes at a reasonable rate (1.3 per game on 36.2% shooting), but as the point guard, he can’t be the guy who positions himself in the corner strictly to spread the defense."

How Summer League Has Stacked Up So Far: Beale Street Bears

"So it’s really tempting to say, “well, [Tony Wroten] has the right moves, his shot selection is good, so he’ll make them eventually. The important part is that he’s making the right decisions.” In large part, that’s what makes him so appealing. But, well, history isn’t on that side. Last year he was a 38% shooter from the floor, with a sad TS% of 46.1%. His shot selection has gotten a little better in LVSL, but not significantly. He just can’t finish his shots yet, and that’s a pretty huge problem."

Breaking Down the New Western Conference, Part 2 – The Pelicans: Beale Street Bears

"Next to the Clippers, the Pelicans were one of the busiest and most ambitious teams this summer, and their new name and colors won’t be the only new thing greeting opponents next season."