Grizzlies sign veteran Dooling

Back after short retirement

PORTLAND, Ore. — Desirous of stability at the backup point guard position, the Grizzlies officially turned to veteran Keyon Dooling to provide backcourt help heading into the postseason

ooling was with the Grizzlies Wednesday night when they began a three- game road trip against the Portland Trail Blazers. He came out of retirement to satisfy his urge to renew what he hopes will jumpstart three more seasons of playing in the NBA.

The Griz signed Dooling for the rest of this season. He is eligible for the playoffs with no promises beyond that.

“I wouldn’t have come back to a team that wasn’t playing for anything,” Dooling said. “I want to play and this is a great opportunity and you can’t pass up opportunities like this. I think what I bring can help on and off the court so I’m looking forward to this opportunity.”

Griz coach Lionel Hollins said he’ll have to learn about Dooling over time just like he did with Jason Williams two years ago and Gilbert Arenas last season.

“I haven’t really seen him. I don’t know much about him,” Hollins said of Dooling. “Whatever he’s done somewhere else has no bearing on what he’ll do for us. I’ll have a better feel after we practice and he plays. He might play tonight.”

Dooling, 32, played 12 seasons with the Los Angeles Clippers, Miami Heat, Orlando Magic, New Jersey Nets, Milwaukee Bucks and Boston Celtics. He retired from the Celtics before the start of this season to deal with psychological issues stemming from childhood molestation.

Dooling worked through his emotional pain, worked for the Celtics’ front office and then immediately became receptive when the Griz reached out to him. Griz CEO Jason Levien once worked for the agency that represented Dooling several years ago.

Levien requested that Dooling spend a week in Florida with a trainer for what amounted to a mini training camp. The Griz wanted to gauge Dooling’s conditioning, given he hasn’t played in the NBA this season.

“That was a big issue to make sure he was in a place he could play,” Levien said. “He’s a guy who focuses on keeping himself in shape. ... I think he’s ready to go. He’s a smart enough player and a guy who has kept himself in good enough shape that there’s a chance he can help us at some point.”

Dooling is a combo guard and regarded as a locker room leader. He’ll give the Griz insurance for Mike Conley and Jerryd Bayless.