News and notes on a day of recovery as the 2012-2013 season officially ends:
- LARRY KUZNIEWSKI
- D.J. Stephens
Final Draft Workouts: Virginia Tech guard Erick Green and University of Memphis forward D.J. Stephens headlined the Grizzlies draft workout yesterday. I’ll be surprised if Stephens is drafted on Thursday, much less by the Grizzlies. But I do think he’s at least a viable option late in the second round. And with two picks in the final six selections, the Grizzlies would seem a more likely destination than most regardless of Stephens’ local connection. Chances are, though, he’ll be on some team’s Summer League roster last this month as a non-roster invite.
The gym is dormant today but the team will hold double workouts on Monday featuring a dozen or so players, which are expected to be the team’s final workouts before next Thursday’s draft.
Among the college prospects expected on Monday: Texas guard Myck Kabongo, N.C. State guard Lorenzo Brown, Illinois State forward Jackie Carmichael, and Memphis forward Adonis Thomas. Florida forward Erik Murphy was scheduled to attend but a recent shoulder injury makes his presence questionable.
With three second-round picks, the Grizzlies are expected to be in the “draft-and-stash” business on Thursday night. And, to that end, the team is also bringing in several international prospects on Monday. Among the leading names in that contingent are expected to be Brazilian forward Augusto Lima, French forward Joffrey Lauvergne, and Latvian swingman Janis Timma.
I’ll post a no-doubt hapless attempt at the Grizzlies’ draft preview next week, probably on Tuesday morning.
Fan Open House: The Grizzlies will hold an open house for potential season ticket holders tomorrow from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at FedExForum. Fans can “test drive” available seats and meet with team ticket reps. There will be free parking in the arena’s parking garage and anyone buying tickets will get a tour of the team locker room.
