Pera is optimistic that the franchise can bounce back after having its seven-year playoff run end abruptly. “Assuming Marc (Gasol) and Mike (Conley) come back healthy, I think we have a couple of surrounding pieces that are younger players that are going to make a positive impact,” Pera told the media outlet he employs. “We’ll get another good player in this draft. I see no reason why we can’t return to being a 50-win plus team.”
Mike Conley Rumors
All NBA Players
Position: G
Born: 10/11/87
Height: 6-1 / 1.85
Weight:179 lbs. / 81.6 kg.
Salary: $28,530,608
Born: 10/11/87
Height: 6-1 / 1.85
Weight:179 lbs. / 81.6 kg.
Salary: $28,530,608
Michael Wallace: A side note from today’s draft workout availability, Grizzlies GM Chris Wallace said Parsons (knee rehab/treatment) and Conley (Achilles surgery rehab) both “progressing well in vigorous rehab programs. So far, so good.” Conley and Parsons on schedule for full go training camp.
18 May
While there’s been speculation that Memphis would go into this offseason looking to start a rebuild of the franchise, the team has given indications that it intends to keep its core together — guard Mike Conley and center Marc Gasol — and attempt to return to the postseason under new coach J.B. Bickerstaff. That would mean losing the 2019 first-rounder to the Celtics.
Instead, there’s a holistic approach to this offseason reboot. Whether Memphis lands first or fifth on Tuesday, they’ll move on to the three-day NBA Draft Combine workouts in Chicago armed with two of the top 32 picks in what’s widely considered one of the deepest drafts in years. From there, the Grizzlies will assess trade scenarios throughout the league, with an option to flip draft picks or other assets for immediate veteran help to complement Mike Conley and Marc Gasol, and fast track a return to the playoffs. In addition to the draft and the trade route, Memphis will have the full midlevel exception in free agency, with several intriguing wing players set to be on the market.
11 May
Fizdale tried to fix things with Gasol, even flying to Europe after the season to try and make it right. But Gasol was close with majority owner Robert Pera; Fizdale wasn’t. That closed off a potential area of outreach between the two. Gasol had no interest in rapprochement, a stance that Grizzlies players made clear to Fizdale throughout the season. (Caught most in the middle, per league sources, was Grizzlies veteran point guard Mike Conley, Jr., who did and does have strong relationships with both men.)
