Marreese Speights making more than a mark with playoffs bound Memphis Grizzlies - NBA Update
Ever since Marreese Speights was sent to Memphis Grizzlies from Philadelphia 76ers in a 3 way trade, he has been nothing but contended, especially after Memphis secured the 5th berth in the playoffs;
“Everything happens for a reason,” Speights said. “God gave me an opportunity to come to a new team, a new opportunity. Sometimes it works out good and sometimes it works out bad.”
Marreese had been struggling with the 76ers. He had played an average of 14.7 minutes in 205 games for them and during the tenure from 2007 to 2010; he averaged just 7.2 points and 3.7 rebounds on 0.492 shooting average. He didn’t
appear in the 1st 4 games of this season with Philadelphia.
He then got traded and things changed dramatically after Memphis lost Zach Randolph to torn medial collateral ligament in his right knee. The slot vacated by Z-Bo was filled by Speights and he capitalized on the opportunity, going
onto became an important constituent for the team.
Speights has so far recorded double figure scores in 23 games and his versatility has allowed Grizzlies more depth on the front court.
Grizzlies coach Lionel Hollins know the value of his big man;
“He’s been huge for us,” Grizzlies coach said of Speights. “He’s really stepped it up. He brings scoring, rebounding and he brings something to the team that we didn’t have when Zach went down. And that is, he can play a little
bit of the four and five.”
Speights has been averaging 8.7 points and 6.2 assists per game in this season and started 51 of 56 games played so far. On March 13, he tallied 25 points to go with 7 boards and 5 assists against Los Angeles Lakers but unfortunately
Grizzlies lost the match with 5 points, 116-111 margin.
Grizzlies are making all the right moves in this season. Addition of Gilbert Arenas and inclusion of Speights has reinforced their backcourt, allowing them to transform from potential playoff team to a potential championship contender.
Grizzlies’ assistant coach Henry Bibby was the impetus that landed Marreese on Memphis bench. He has been fond of his game since he was an assistant coach at 76ers. After Randolph injury it was Bibby who persuaded the management
to rope in Marreese.
Marreese reciprocated by coming up to his expectation;
“I’ve just got to keep listening to coach (Hollins) and learning the game and getting better with every game,” Speights said. “This is a good team. We’re a great big family.”
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