Who are these guys playing for the Grizzlies?
ATLANTA -- Memphis coach Dave Joerger looked like he was conducting an orchestra from the sideline, but he was actually coaching an NBA team, a squad full of castoffs, and other restive professionals. Injuries have crushed the roster of the team with the eighth-best record in the NBA -- fifth in the West -- and maestro Joerger cannot run his plays without a lot of waving and pointing.
He is trying to get the players in correct spot on the floor to start the set and it’s not easy with so many new, unfamiliar faces trying to run plays.
It is a sight to see, especially when in the middle of the maelstrom is the supposed Mr. Incorrigible himself, Lance Stephenson.
He’s having a blast fitting in with the Griz as a reserve and legitimate offense.
“Having fun, just playing loose.” Stephenson said. “I think it’s because everybody that’s coming in has something to prove. Guys coming in are getting with coaches and learning the stuff as quickly as possible. Everybody is just playing free and not thinking too much.”
Stephenson is averaging almost 14 points a game since playing his first game with the Grizzlies on Feb. 19. He’s coming off the bench, eyes ablaze on offense, and picking up somebody on defense.
Memphis (39-27) lost to Atlanta late last week without three of big four, Mike Conley (foot), Zach Randolph (knee), and Marc Gasol (out for the season/broken foot). Center Chris Andersen is sidelined with a shoulder injury. They have been without those guys for a few games now. Guard Mario Chalmers was waived after his season ended with a foot injury on March 9.
Guard Jordan Adams is done for the season after knee surgery. Vince Carter did not play against the Hawks because of a right leg injury. Forward Brandan Wright has not played since February 27 with a knee sprain.
That left starting guard Tony Allen and … who else? … wait a minute … check the roster.
Stephenson, P.J. Hairston, Matt Barnes, JaMychal Green, Ryan Hollins, rookie forward Jarrell Martin, and oh yeah, an undrafted rookie point guard who flew in from Sioux Falls and the D-League. Briante Weber started his first NBA game Friday night, played 40 minutes, and the Griz won in overtime against New Orleans with a franchise record 22 points in overtime.
The Grizzlies hired two players on Saturday to 10-day deals, guard Ray McCallum and forward Alex Stepheson. They both played significant minutes against the Hawks in a game Memphis led 29-19 in the second quarter. The Griz faded, but there was no way to ask for your money back because the game was competitive.
Barnes had the first triple double of his career (26 points, 11 rebounds, 10 assists) against New Orleans. Allen, who is 6-foot-4, guarded NBA All-Star Anthony Davis in the post. The Grizzlies beat Cleveland in Cleveland on March 7 with eight healthy players.
This preposterous team has won five out of eight and is talking about, of all things, its Magic Number to clinch a playoff spot (8).
“It’s sometimes not pretty, but we’re going out there and competing and gave ourselves a real chance,” Joerger said. “It’s easy to look at our roster and go hee hee haw haw, if you are an opposing player. If they come out and think they can own you early, it can be a long night so we don’t want to get into some of those situations.”
Joerger coached from 1997 to 2007 in the International Basketball Association, the International Basketball League, and the Continental Basketball Association. No wonder he looks at ease with players parachuting in 20 minutes before tip and a roster of smoke and mirrors because of injuries.
Joerger came bouncing out of the coach’s locker room after the Atlanta game, walked through the media gawkers to the training room, got an armful of Diet Cokes, and took them back to the staff to plot some more. There was not a white flag in sight.
“Guys learning on the fly, they are watching video, offense without a defense on it, adding guys up, try and take timeouts when I can, and keep it real simple,” Joerger said explaining his orchestration.
“We’ve got good veteran leadership, guys that have been here a while, like Tony Allen and Mike Conley. Guys are enjoying the opportunity.”