Memphis Grizzlies: 5 takeaways from 2017-18 Media Day
By Greg Cassoli
5. Expectations of faster pace
The general assumption amont those that have tracked the Grizzlies’ offseason was that the team hoped to play with greater pace in the upcoming year. In saying goodbye to the likes of Zach Randolph, Vince Carter and to a lesser degree, Tony Allen, Memphis appeared to be hoping to add a bit of youth and energy to its roster.
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That notion was confirmed on Media Day. General manager Chris Wallace shared his belief that the Grizzlies’ summer had made them deeper, more versatile and more athletic — a reality that should allow the team to embrace a greater playing speed.
James Ennis was particularly optimistic about the possibility of playing with increased pace, telling Grizzly Bear Blues, “I’m very excited. I can actually show my athleticism.”
That may not be the only thing he is able to showcase in the upcoming year. In a series of interviews with Grizzlies.com, Ennis and several of his teammates talked about the possibility of embracing his positional versatility, and spending more time as the team’s nominal second big.
That bodes well for Memphis’ continued embrace of modern basketball, and represents the kind of forward thinking that a team in transition needs.