Shane's Value, Joerger is missed and other links

I loved Shane Battier as a player. I think in time Rudy Gay will be better so I didn't cry over the trade last year that brought Rudy in at the expense of Shane but I still admired the way he conducted himself. David Berri over at Wages of Wins has an interesting take on Shane using his Win Score methodology. If you like Shane you should read it.

Not many Grizzlies fans, much less NBA fans, have really gotten to know who Dave Joerger is and why fans should be excited to see him in the NBA. KXNet.com in Minot, North Dakota remembers him from his days with the Dakota Wizards and has a telephone interview which may help become more familiar with this popular and successful coach. The Grizzlies are lucky to have him.

Speaking of Memphis' Developmental League team, The Dakota Wizards had their draft yesterday. Carlos Powell was their first selection of the Wizards (#2 overall). Powell is a small forward from South Carolina. If Tarence Kinsey goes to the D-League at any time this season he would be paired with his former team mate. For a complete list of players drafted check out this link.

I hope everyone is planning to be downtown Saturday night for the Pacers game. Another great event downtown is the National Family Literacy Day celebration taking place at the Civil Rights Museum. It's from 2-4 and we should all make an attempt to be there to support the schools and libraries, Big Brothers and Big Sisters and all the other organizations participating in this event.

The Grizzlies have picked up the pace for season ticket sales after the stirring opening night celebration at the FedEx Forum. Hopefully this is a trend that will continue all season!