Rudy: Jack of all Trades

By Kirk Holland

For those of you who don't know, Rudy will be blogging this upcoming season on the Grizzlies website.

I, for one, am ecstatic if for no other reason than that I no longer have to read Casey Jacobsen blog entries, which were the equivalent of a written colonoscopy.

Should be an interesting year, and hopefully Rudy has not only added blogging to his list of talents, but an improved overall game as well.

Glad to hear that Rudy spent time watching the Summer leaguers this year, that in itself shows me he is passionate about this team, and wants to succeed. Also, I found it interesting about his mentioning Michael Phelps (Lord of the Olympiads), and how he is now the third favorite son of Baltimore behind Phelps and Melo. I truly believe he will soon supplant Carmelo as the 2nd favorite, gold medal or not. And hopefully, when we win our eighth NBA championship (i know, i know) he can take that coveted first spot. Heck, he's already one of Memphis's favorite adopted sons, and continually rising.

Anyways, good luck this year Rudy both on the court and in your blogging endeavors; may you find success in all areas.

Oh, I can still beat you in bowling Rudy.

Links: Conley at practice, Collins for Swift trade completed, Pete's Perspective, 20 Questions

According to Graham Kendrick, Mike Conley was at practice today and should play in tomorrow night's contest against the Milwaukee Bucks. That's good news as the team could really use his steadying influence right now.

The trade that sent Stromile Swift to the New Jersey Nets for F/C Jason Collins and cash considerations was completed today. Collins is known around the league as a solid defender, which has been one of the Grizzlies' major shortcomings this season.

Now that I'm over the shock of the Gasol trade and have begun to consider what it all means, I'll probably post something regarding my thoughts on it later in the week. You can be assured that when I do it will include a lot of references to this recent post from Pete Pranica.

Make sure you visit Beyond the Arc to read the 20 questions that Chris Herrington asks and answers regarding the trade and where the Grizzlies go from here.

Links: Pete Pranica is an intelligent man, Conley Blogs, JCN's Rookie Ranking, More Rankings,

Pete Pranica reads my mind one more time with his newest blog post "What Rattles Around My Brain". He succinctly captures what is "wrong" with this version of the Memphis Grizzlies -- a lack of leadership and the absence of a "closer" who will grab the game by the...um....throat and take over. Pete, if you read this blog, feel free to send us an e-mail, as we'd love to pick your brain for awhile.

Michael Conley updated his blog yesterday and took some questions from the fans.

SI.com has Juan Carlos Navarro holding steady in the 5th position of its Rookie Rankings this week.

NBA.com has Instant Grits in the #4 spot, up from #7 last week.

Got a few power rankings to throw your way, as well.

MKE Bucks Diary (PVOA Ranking)
MKE Bucks Diary (NBA Offensive/Defensive Performance Rank)

Website/Blog of the Day -- Basketbawful

Links: Identity, Turnovers, Growth, Damon a Buyout Candidate?

A variety of issues to survey in today's Links.

First up is Kenny "The Jet" Smith's take on the Grizzlies on Yahoo! Sports titled "Some teams still searching for an identity":

With a new coach, a new GM and added personnel, the Grizzlies are who they are. The Western Conference is just too deep and too strong for a team trying to find its way. The Grizzlies have a dominant low -post player in Pau Gasol, but his dominance extends to only one end of the court. The backcourt is either a bit too young (Mike
Conley and (KyleLowry) or a bit too old (Damon Stoudamire). They are a team that will have to improve by trade.

Hmmm...that sounds a lot like what Chip and I have been saying since before the preseason. But what do we know?

Over on Grizz Blogs, Graham Kendrick made an interesting statistical observation in the latest edition of Musings from Media Row:

Memphis, Charlotte and Seattle have a combined record of 4-14 (.286). San Antonio, Orlando and Detroit have a combined record of 16-4 (.800). Why am I grouping those teams together? Memphis, Charlotte and Seattle have the three highest turnover averages in the NBA. San Antonio, Orlando and Detroit have the three lowest turnover averages.

Obviously, the turnovers are a concern for this young Memphis Grizzlies team and is something that Marc Iavaroni is sure to address with the team.

In yesterday's post on Pete's Perspective, play-by-play man Pete Pranica talks about the growth of this Grizzlies team and the struggles they have had so far. He has some great insight into the team and I highly recommend reading everything he posts.

Over on Rebuilding Year, they had a roundtable discussion about who the early buyout candidates are and not so surprisingly, Damon Stoudamire dominated the conversation. There was some good back-and-forth, with both sides represented very well. No matter what you think about Damon's place on the team, I suggest reading what they have to say.