GRIZZLIES
pete, and the one thing on my mind is to win, and try to lead this group of guys to the championship. That’s the only thing that I care about, knowing that my body is able to do that, and I’m confident. The doctors and everyone think my body’s going to hold up tremendously — even better than before the injury. That gives me a lot of confidence to do that.” — Gasol as told to the Grizzlies website several weeks after declining an interview request by The Commercial Appeal.
Returners: Brandan Wright. The free-agent acquisition from 2015 is versatile and able to play power forward and center. His athleticism, shot-blocking and intelligence in the pickand-roll will be vital to the second unit. Wright, who suffered a MCL sprain in February, has been cleared to resume play heading into camp.
“Obviously with any injury, you don’t want to spike too early,” Wright recently told the team’s website. “We’ll work our way into it, but I’ll be a full go. I’m ready for it and looking forward to it.”
The skinny: With Gasol as the only true center on the roster and Wright as a hybrid, the Griz appear to be looking toward upgrading their ability to adapt to small-ball lineups in the NBA. Still, Gasol’s ability to play at a high level and stay healthy remains paramount to the Grizzlies’ success this season. Also, at age 31, there is reason to be concerned about Gasol’s long-term health given the injury.