Workout Roundup
Posted by MemphisX at 6/16/2007 9:36 AM and is filed under uncategorized 
Well the Grizzlies have concluded their first week of public workouts. It seems that they brought in their top 3 candidates for the #4 pick in reverse order: Joakim Noah, Mike Conley Jr., and Al Horford. Joakim Noah
The 2006 NCAA Final Four MVP inexplicably returned for his junior season and accomplished his goal of winning another NCAA championship. His numbers took a dive almost across the board as the Florida Gators unselfishly marched through the season. He seemed to be burden by the pressure of being the top returning player for the season and the team expectations. In the early season, he didn't play with his usual fire and admitted that the negative reactions he got hurt his play. Now it is known that he played the end of the season with a tear in his rotator cuff. With his drop in production explained and his willingness to continue workouts against any and everybody, it is a wonder that people forget how dominating he was during the end of the 2006 NCAA season. He set an NCAA tournament record with 29 blocks and probably turned in the most dominant defensive performances in recent history. He measured out a legit 7 footer in shoes and even with the partial rotator cuff tear he managed to bench press 185 pounds 12 times. I think the Memphis Grizzlies would love to add him to their roster with an additional 1st round pick but not with the #4 pick. He is thought to be a 7 foot Shane Battier.
Mike Conley Jr.
Mike Conley Jr. was next up and would fill the Grizzlies much needed hole in the backcourt. Memphis was Conley's first workout and he seemed to have a good time here (Thanks Brian!) . Unlike the reserved comments for Noah, it seems former Grizzlies coach and current player personnel director, Tone Barone, could not shower enough praise on Conley. Comparing him to Allen Iverson and recent NBA finals MVP Tony Parker, Barone either really wants Conley or is throwing up a big smokescreen. I think he will be the Grizzlies second choice if their number one target is off the board and they will deal with the young PG log jam later.
Al Horford
Al Horford concluded the week. He is everything the Grizzlies have wanted in an interior partner for Gasol. He is big, strong and skilled. When he measured almost 6'10 in Orlando, he became the odds on leader for the Grizzlies first round draft pick. He showed a developing post game and is drawing interest as the 3rd best prospect in this draft. Barone also was giddy about Horford as a player. He has been compared to Karl Malone, Carlos Boozer a young Derrick Coleman, without the baggage. If Atlanta passes on Horford, I think it is safe to say that he will be the Grizzlies selection on June 28th. He gives the Grizzlies some flexibility in dealing with Gasol's on and off trade demands also.
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