Memphis Grizzlies: 5 revelations from rookie introductory press conference

Taylor Jenkins loves the versatility of each new Memphis Grizzlies rookie

Head Coach Taylor Jenkins spoke about each player’s ability to play and guard multiple positions, which was one of the biggest challenges last season’s roster faced during the playoffs.

“Something that really jumped out to us is that [the new rookies] can play multiple positions, they can create offense out of multiple positions, they can shoot threes at a high level, which is very exciting. But also, the competitiveness on the defensive end,” the head coach said.

The “care factor” is something that the coaching staff has preached throughout their tenure here. Don’t just care about having a great offensive possession, care about having a great defensive possession, too.

”I look at all four of these guys and they had a care factor. That’s something obviously we built over three years is the care factor —not just on the offensive end and how free we play, but the defense style that we play,” Jenkins said.

The Grizzlies have been in search of multi-positional players that can guard the Jayson Tatums of the world, guys like Luka Doncic, and still be able to keep up with shifty ball handlers like Stephen Curry.

“Versatility is big,” he said. “But, when you get to know these guys as people, there’s an ultimate care factor and competitiveness. All the work our front office has done studying them on and off the floor— they’re going to be natural fits for what we’re building here in Memphis.”