Summer League (7/7): Memphis Grizzlies vs. Orlando Magic

Mar 28, 2014; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Kentucky Wildcats guard Andrew Harrison (5) controls the ball while defended by Louisville Cardinals guard Russ Smith (right) and guard/forward Wayne Blackshear (middle) in the second half in the semifinals of the midwest regional of the 2014 NCAA Mens Basketball Championship tournament at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Thomas J. Russo-USA TODAY Sports

The Memphis Grizzlies prepare for their third game of the 2015 Orlando Summer League where they will face the Orlando Magic.

Today, July 7th, the Memphis Grizzlies will continue their play in the NBA’s 2015 Orlando Summer League, an annual tournament which features the latest NBA Draft class along with free-agents and young stars that look to further their development prior to training camp.

Thus far, the Grizzlies are undefeated, albeit through just two games. They will be looking to continue their streak this afternoon versus a youthful, yet promising, Orlando Magic squad. This should be the biggest test yet for Memphis, which will serve as a great measuring stick for the development of the young Grizzlies on the summer league roster. Magic sophomore players-to-be, Elfrid Payton and Aaron Gordon, will undoubtedly be a handful to defend.

The first two victories by the Memphis Grizzlies featured these scores against the Brooklyn Nets and Charlotte Hornets.

Game 1 (7/4/15):

Game 2 (7/5/15):

What to Watch

The Grizzlies’ Russ Smith has been displaying solid point guard skills as well as some clutch shooting and scoring. He is showing that he could definitely be a solid option as a backup point guard for Memphis and he will make it hard for Memphis’ brass to say “no” to giving him a roster spot and/or rotational minutes in 2015-16. If he can be a true pass-first point guard, a roster spot surely exists for him following training camp in late-October.

Jan 16, 2015; Orlando, FL, USA; Memphis Grizzlies guard Russ Smith (2) looks on against the Orlando Magic during the second half at Amway Center. Memphis Grizzlies defeated the Orlando Magic 106-96. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

If Jordan Adams plays for the Grizz today, will he continue to shine? He has only played in one game (missing the second due to rest), but he notched 20 points in the sole sighting. Adams could luck into major playing time with the Memphis Grizzlies and he is solidifying his case for big minutes. He has been aggressive, plus he has clearly worked on his outside shot. Could Jordan be the shooter/scorer the Grizz have been attempting to find? If he takes this play into next season, Adams could answer many of the Grizzlies’ issues that led to their demise in the NBA Playoffs.

Will Jarnell Stokes unleash the beast that Grizz Nation knows he can be? Through two games, Stokes looks noticeably slimmer. He is exceptionally strong at the power forward position and he needs to be a bully on the court–demonstrate the toughness and grit that embodies the Memphis Grizzlies. Open roster spots with the Grizzlies will be few going into the 2015-16 season and if Jarnell wants to be the future power forward of this club, his time is now. Play big, big fella!

Mar 12, 2015; Washington, DC, USA; Memphis Grizzlies forward JaMychal Green (0) shoots the ball as Washington Wizards forward Drew Gooden (90) defends in the third quarter at Verizon Center. The Wizards won 107-87. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports

JaMychal Green has had more experience and opportunities in his short professional career compared to some of the other youthful Grizzlies, so he needs to show leadership and “veteran” skill in this summer league. He could be one of the cheapest (contract-wise) cuts for Memphis if it comes to that point by the end of training camp. Now is the time for JaMyke to show his real value and express to the coaches that he needs to remain in the 901.

While he has an outside chance to make the Grizzlies’ final roster, Andrew Harrison will need to display a solid shooting touch as well as fine floor general skills. He is a raw talent, without a doubt, but he could be a steal of this latest NBA Draft class if he can outwork others in front of him to land a roster spot. The team is still trying to find a greater insight into his strengths and where he would potentially fit with this Memphis team.

Will the Memphis Grizzlies face adversity today or will they achieve a runaway victory? They have been playing exceptionally well through two games, but the Magic have a strong roster that could potentially give M-Town some fits.

Memphis Grizzlies’ 2015 Orlando Summer League Roster

Orlando Magic 2015 Orlando Summer League Roster

“Beale Street Bears“ will be covering today’s matchup between the Grizzlies and Magic on Twitter. Be sure to follow us for live updates and discussion throughout the afternoon. The game can be seen live on NBATV beginning at 12:00 P.M. Central Time.

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Go Grizz!

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