2010 Memphis Grizzlies Summer League Preview: O. J. Mayo

Probably the most anticipated story of the summer for Memphis Grizzlies fans is the move of third year guard O.J. Mayo to play point guard for at least two games in summer league this summer.  Almost since the minute Mayo was drafted, there has been a segment of the Grizz fanbase that wanted him immediately moved and played at point guard.  He started out his rookie season playing the position in summer league but due to the roster being so lite on any competent shooting guards, he had to play almost 40 minutes a night at that position.  However, then coach Marc Iavaroni allowed him to play more as a playmaker with the ball especially at the end of games.

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Bluff City Bears Podcast

Did a great podcast this morning with Bluff City Bears blogger Mario Latilleon.  Here is the link to go directly to the podcast.

2010 Memphis Grizzlies Summer League Preview

One of the greatest things about being a NBA junkie like me is that following the NBA is now a 12 month a year endeavor.  The NBA has set it up to where there is something going on each and every month at least up until the NFL season kicks off.  Right after the NBA draft, NBA fans of lottery teams can start the hope wagon up early in the summer by watching their youngsters participate in the NBA’s various organized summer leagues.  Luckily for Grizz fans, Jerry West is gone and the Grizzlies are not stuck in that anonymous Los Angeles Pro-Am summer league that was not covered well.

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The Back-Up Plan No More

Since the Los Angeles Lakers knocked off the Boston Celtics and the 2010 free agent hype started, Memphis Grizzlies small forward has been seen as the backup plan of each and every team in pursuit of two time MVP LeBron James.  Teams and media pundits believed that Memphis Grizzlies owner Micheal Heisley would play the restricted free agent game and let the robust free agent market set the value for the athletic 4th year veteran.  However, on the first day of free agency, the Grizzlies and Gay announced that they had come to an agreement on a five year contract in excess of $81 million and the pressure was ratcheted up two notches on all the LeBron suitors.

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