It was five years ago, when Taylor Jenkins arrived in Memphis. To succeed the famous “Grit & Grind” and relaunch the Grizzlies, the former assistant of Mike Budenholzer arrived with new ideas, based on commitment and speed. To help him, he could count on a rookie named Ja Morant, but also athletic elements like Brandon Clarke and Jaren Jackson Jr and/or defensive players like Dillon Brooks or Jae Crowder. At times it felt like we were watching an NCAA team.
Today, these same Grizzlies have aged, and some have left, but the coach remains the same and he wants speed to be the driving force of the game. “Since university, I have never played this fast” confirms Marcus Smart. “We play fast, and I’m used to playing fast. We have systems planned, but there is no need to launch them if we are running. This is our slogan. »
Since Taylor Jenkins has been at the helm, the Grizzlies have always been one of the fastest and most efficient teams in fast play. With the exception of last season, Morant only played a handful of matches…
Same observation on the “pace” where the Grizzlies were in the Top 8 for four years, before last season.
“Obviously, when we play with Ja, we play super fast” recalls Santi Aldama. “But now they emphasize rhythm, and we have Ja and Desmond. We will play faster and faster, and that will require adjustments. »
The search for perpetual motion
For the Grizzlies, physical condition will make the difference, and they are counting on this speed to make the difference in winter, or in spring, when opponents' legs will be heavy.
“We clearly need to be better prepared” warns Luke Kennard, while Taylor Jenkins wants to see five players who evolve at the same speed. However, for Santi Aldama, speed is nothing without movement. “Defenses are good for 5, 6 seconds. After that, the players get tired” believes the Spaniard. “The more movement there is in defense, the better for us.”
On the counterattack, two alternatives: the lay-up and the 3-pointer. Always with the watchword: no immobility.
“I have the feeling that in the past, we stayed more in the corners, waiting for things to happen. I find that today, we are more involved. Everyone will gravitate towards the ball…. The more actions you generate in a single attack, the more likely you are to find an advantage at some point” concludes Santi Aldama.
