Chris Wallace/Wayne Ellington Quotes

Chris Wallace Quotes:
Wallace on the move for Wayne Ellington: “We had to trade Dante Cunningham, who was a big factor on our team last year. There was a log jam at Dante’s position (power forward).”

Wallace on free agency moves: “We said prior to free agency that we wanted to bring in more 3 point shooting.”

On Ellington's overall game: “That (3 point shooting) was his calling card in college, shooting over 40 percent at North Carolina. He’s young enough to get his shooting eye back. He is almost strictly a 2 guard. He will compete with guys for time there.”

Biggest obstacle for the Grizzlies: “Its tough to keep winning games when you have the disparity at the 3 point line that we often face."

Wallace on free agency and the trading market: “Trading is very difficult to predict. A trading partner could walk into our position at any time. There are probably very few more signings we are going to have in free agency. The biggest hole is at back up center.”

Any word on the team being sold?: “I can’t comment on that. That’s above my pay grade. Go to the top on that."

Jeremy Pargo departing: “We wish Jeremy the best up in Cleveland, and he will likely have more of an opportunity there."

Thoughts on Summer League: “The summer league as good as we get in the NBA. We just need to get used to these young players and exposing them to the NBA”

Wayne Ellington Quotes:

On the trade to Memphis: “I was really excited. They have a great thing going on here in Memphis. Playoffs, winning are the most important. I’m happy to get to work and ready to go.”

Ellington on playing in Minnesota: “ It was a tough situation in Minnesota. We had a lot of young guys and a lot of people at the same position. Unfortunately, I didn’t get my best opportunity in Minnesota, but I have a fresh start here in Memphis.”

On what he likes about the Grizzlies: “You see a lot of opportunity for open shots from the perimeter, which is one of my strengths.  I am a guy that can knock down shots from the perimeter, and continue to get better defensively. I think I can be a piece that can fit in well.”

On meeting some of the guys:  “I know TA from playing against him. I know Rudy, and also Darrell, Mike, Quincy because we all came out the same year of high school.”

Jersey number for next season: “Still trying to decide which number to get. I was actually talking to the coaches. They were trying to help me. Maybe 21 since its close to 22, maybe 4 (2+2), maybe 23 because of my connection at UNC.”

On his shooting woes last season: “Its tough to get into rhythm when your playing time is up and down. I can get a lot more open looks here. Teams won’t focus on 3 point shooting when you have guys that are killing you inside.”

---GM

Draft of 2012 Team USA/ Dream Team

This morning on the U92 Sports Desk, Ben Rainwater and I drafted 10 players each from the 1992 Dream Team and the 2012 Team USA. The players are listed in the order they were drafted. I had the first pick:

Grant's Team                                                                                     Ben's Team  

1. Michael Jordan                                                                            1. Lebron James
2. Kevin Durant                                                                               2. David Robinson
3. Patrick Ewing                                                                              3. Charles Barkley
4. Kobe Bryant                                                                               4. Larry Bird
5. Karl Malone                                                                                5. Magic Johnson
6. Deron Williams                                                                            6. Chris Paul
7. Carmelo Anthony                                                                        7. Scottie Pippen
8. Tyson Chandler                                                                           8. Kevin Love
9. Russell Westbrook                                                                      9. James Harden
10. Anthony Davis                                                                            10. Clyde Drexler

Team Grant Starters: Deron Williams, Michael Jordan, Kevin Durant, Karl Malone, Patrick Ewing

Team Ben Starters: Magic Johnson, James Harden, Lebron James, Larry Bird, David Robinson

I think it's funny that I ended up with seven players from the current Team USA. I considered drafting John Stockton, but just don't think he belongs in this game of speed and size. He was one of the greatest of all time at the point guard position, but I don't see him matching up with Magic or Chris Paul. I do find it interesting that we each start three players from the 1992 team, and two from the 2012 team.

Follow Ben on Twitter @BenRainwaterMR

Follow me on Twitter @milnergolf

--GM

Shaq Goodwin Presser Notes/Quotes

A small amount of media members positioned themselves around the lobby of the Finch Center, anticipating the arrival of Shaq Goodwin. Across the lobby were another set of doors. I noticed a tall, burly looking figure trying to get in. It was Shaq. He looked at me laughing when I opened the doors and said, "I don't have any codes or nothin man." It was a nice way to break the ice right before his first appearance with the Memphis media.

Josh Pastner spoke before Goodwin did, but wanted to guarantee that the attention stay on his new star power forward. Pastner confirmed that the schedule is done for next year, but that they are just waiting to release it. He also said that former Tiger Charles Carmouche will likely land at LSU next season.


Here are some of the memorable quotes from today's presser with Shaq Goodwin.



On playing with Team USA in Brazil: "I learned that I didn't like to lose and that I'm a team player. I  knew I could make the sacrifice to not be selfish."


What it will be like working out with Frank: "There is no shape quite like Frank shape. All I hear is that he is a tough guy who will push you to your limit and that's what we need."


Shaq on the food in Brazil: "We were expecting to stop at McDonald's and get a couple of burgers and go back to the hotel. We got there and all they had, I kid you not, were beans, chicken, and rice."


On rumors of him playing football in 2013: "I'm still going to play football next year and I'm looking forward to it."


The transition from AAU to college hoops: "If you come in with the mature approach that you need to get better and better you will be successful. I grew up with five sisters. They always told me confidence kills."


On how much different college hoops will be: "Everyone is good, and will come to win every single game. This will be the biggest challenge of my life."


His fluctuation in weight: "When I first got to Colorado to train for Team USA, I was at 268. When we got back from Brazil, I was at 255. I'm sure when Frank gets done with me I'll be like 240."




Overall, I liked what I heard from Goodwin. He is a very well spoken, confident guy that will play a huge role for the Tigers next season. Pastner blatantly said that there is no way Shaq will be playing football, so there is obviously some confusion there. My guess? He never sees the football field. Shaq awaits a physical before he can be cleared to work with the team/coaches. Pastner said that once the physical is completed, Shaq will undergo a five week plan to get him ready for the season. Goodwin even admitted he is not in the best shape, but no need to worry about that as long as Frank is running his conditioning.


--GM