How to enjoy Memphis Grizzlies preseason basketball
By Greg Cassoli
3. Look for “modern basketball”
The Grizzlies are poised to play a faster-paced, more “modern” style of basketball this year. They’re significantly younger and more athletic than any point in recent memory, and already started a trend toward smaller, better-spaced lineups last year. That isn’t likely to change. Upping the tempo was a fairly large talking point at the team’s Media Day, as was the possibility of playing James Ennis more minutes at the 4.
Don’t be surprised if those things are accompanied by an increased emphasis on ball movement and 3-point shooting. Head coach David Fizdale is a smart man, and a keen observer of the game. He’s going to continue to increase the emphasis placed on things that have proven to work across the league.
Memphis may be limited a bit by its personnel. The Grizz may have more youth than in years prior, but their two best players still rely heavily on craft. Embracing modern basketball for Mike Conley and Marc Gasol probably just means shooting more 3-pointers. That shouldn’t be all that hard to make happen, but completing the transition in style of play at the team level will be more challenging.
The Grizzlies have institutionalized their slow, grind it out style to a significant degree. Breaking old habits takes time. The preseason should give a nice preview of just how far Memphis has to go.