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Former Grizzlies star Rudy Gay declined to discuss Hollins’ ouster from Memphis

June 12, 2013 by Andre Johnson Leave a Comment

Rudy Gay isn’t talking. At least, for now.

Gay, the former Grizzlies and current Toronto Raptors swingman on Wednesday declined interview requests by MemphiSport to assess the situation surrounding his former coach, Lionel Hollins, who will not return to Memphis next season.

When Rudy Gay was traded to the Toronto Raptors from Memphis in a three-team, six-player deal January 30, among those who were against the move was his former coach, Lionel Hollins. The Grizzlies announced Monday that Hollins would not return to coach a fifth full season. (Photo by David Sherman/NBAE Getty Images)

When former Grizzlies star Rudy Gay was traded to the Toronto Raptors in a three-team, six-player deal January 30, among those who were against the move was his former coach, Lionel Hollins. Team officials on Monday announced that Hollins would not return to coach a fifth full season after his contract ends June 30. (Photo by David Sherman/NBAE Getty Images)

The Grizzlies on Monday announced in a statement that they will not offer Hollins a new contract when his current deal expires June 30 and that he is no longer with the organization. Hollins, 59, was named the Grizzlies’ head coach in January 2009, a 4 ½ year stint that was comprised of a 196-155 mark and three consecutive postseason appearances.

Among the reasons Hollins and the Grizzlies have parted ways is that he and team officials reportedly have found it difficult to co-exist since the NBA approved for the new ownership to take over the team in October.

Hollins, for instance, publicly expressed his displeasure in team officials trading Gay on January 30, particularly after the team had fallen below the luxury tax threshold by dealing reserves Wayne Ellington, Marreese Speights, and Josh Selby a week earlier to Cleveland for a future first-round pick and Josh Leuer.

However, after repeated requests to speak with Gay about the split-up between Hollins and Grizzlies management, the Raptors issued a written statement to MemphiSport in which the 26-year-old Baltimore native declined to discuss the issue.

“We agreed that whatever thoughts he has on the Hollins situation should remain private,” Raptors director of media relations Jim LaBumbard said in a statement. “He has great respect for Coach Hollins, but this is between Coach and the Grizzlies organization, and it wouldn’t be fair for Rudy to comment. Rudy is now a Raptor and that is his main concern.”

At the time of the trade, Gay, the team’s franchise player, was the Grizzlies’ leading scorer at 17.2 points per game, although many within the organization sensed the former UConn star wasn’t playing up to the five-year, $82 million contract extension he signed in July 2010.

Though Hollins wasn’t in favor of the trade, he addressed reporters days later, reiterating, among other things, that he is a “team player” and that he must devise ways to get the most out of his current roster.

“Both trades that were made, they kept me abreast with what was going on,” Hollins said before the Grizzlies’ February 8 home game against Golden State. “And I voiced my opinion and they went with what they had. But my responsibility is to coach the team with the players we have, and that’s what I try to do and that’s what I will continue to try to do.”

Even without Gay, the Grizzlies amassed a franchise-best 56-26 record and reached the Western Conference Finals for the first time in team history before being swept in four games by the San Antonio Spurs.

However, during a national television appearance Wednesday morning, Grizzlies point guard Mike Conley was asked if he believed Memphis would have had a better chance of beating the Spurs had the organization chose not to deal Gay. A seven-year veteran, Gay was the catalyst of the Grizzlies’ 101-98 overtime win against San Antonio in a January 11 game in FedExForum when he registered a team-high 23 points on 10-of-20 field goals in 42-plus minutes.

“When we got to the Spurs, we could of used Rudy,” Conley told Stephen A. Smith on ESPN’s First Take. “There’s no telling how far we would have gotten with Rudy.”

When asked how surprised was he after learning that Hollins would not return to coach the Grizzlies, Conley said, “It’s tough for us to lose coach. He was the guy who brought a different mentality to our team that wasn’t there. It’s a new stage for us. We’ve got to find a way to work through adversity.”

Much like they did after Gay was sent north of the border.

Andre Johnson covers the NBA for MemphiSport. To reach Johnson, email him at andre@memphisport.net. Also, follow him on Twitter @AJ_Journalist.

NBA players pay homage to Michael Jordan on his 50th birthday

February 19, 2013 by Andre Johnson Leave a Comment

HOUSTON — When Michael Jordan rejoined the Chicago Bulls in 1995 following his first retirement, Ron Harper was in his second season with

Michael Jordan, considered the greatest baskteball player to ever play the game, was honored by the media and the NBA days leading to Sunday’s All-Star Game in Houston. The six-time world champion and Hall of Famer turned 50 Sunday. (Photo by Nathaniel S. Butler/Getty Images)

the team. Still, that didn’t stop Jordan from singling him out upon his return to offer what Harper — who was coming off a tumultuous first year in Chicago — described as some much-needed counsel.

“He came to me and he said, ‘We work hard here every day,’” Harper, who retired in 2001, said before Sunday night’s All-Star Game in the Toyota Center. “He said, ‘We don’t take days off. We practice hard. We play hard. We work hard.’ It was amazing to see how great he was. It was an amazing run.”

For Harper, who had played for the Cleveland Cavaliers and the Los Angeles Clippers prior to joining the Bulls, Jordan’s reuniting with the team essentially gave way to him resurrecting his NBA career. All he did over the final seven years of his career was win five world titles, including three as a member of the Bulls.

Jordan who, during the 1980s and 1990s, disseminated the NBA globally with his electrifying leaping, scoring, and dunking ability, turned 50 on Sunday, another majestic milestone for the Hall of Famer and six-time world champion that attracted national headlines and was commemorated by many throughout the league, most notably current and former players who were on hand here for the All-Star festivities.

From the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame ceremony on Thursday in the Hilton Hotel in downtown Houston, where the 12 finalists for the Class of 2013 inductees were announced, to after the West squad’s 143-138 win over the East All-Stars, Jordan’s legacy and awe-inspiring impact on the basketball world were reminisced by those who were mesmerized by his astounding achievements and contributions during his illustrious career.

“He’s one of the ones who changed the game with Earving “Magic’ Johnson and Larry Bird,” Harper said of Jordan, now the majority owner and chairman of the Charlotte Bobcats. “When he came into the league, he took the league to new heights because he wasn’t a guy who was just another player. He was an extremely good basketball player. He worked extremely hard and he showed me what it’s like to be a real pro. It was a great experience playing alongside him.”

Jordan twice came out of retirement in 1998 and 2001, but not before manufacturing a career that prompted several of his peers and media pundits to label him “the greatest basketball player of all time.” Born in Brooklyn, N. Y. in 1963, Jordan was once told he was too short to play basketball as a slim, 5-foot-11 sophomore at Laney High in Wilmington, N. C. and eventually was cut from the team.

That Jordan was passed over by his high school coach only fueled his desire to master his mechanics. Having witnessed his height increase by four inches the following year, Jordan consequently made the varsity squad as a junior only to emerge as an instant star and arguably the team’s most prolific scorer.

From there, it was on to Chapel Hill, N. C., where he spent three seasons at the University of North Carolina, a collegiate campaign that was highlighted by Jordan making the game-winning shot, a baseline jumper from the left side against Patrick Ewing and mighty Georgetown, a perfectly executed play that, as Jordan has acknowledged time and again, was a pivotal turning point in his well-documented basketball career.

Jordan, who was a 14-time All-Star, hoists his last of three All-Star MVP trophies in 1998. (AP Photo)

Selected with the third overall pick in the first round of the 1984 NBA draft, Jordan wasted little time making his presence felt as a rookie, averaging better than 28 points per game while shooting an astounding 51 percent from the field. Even before the season’s halfway point, he had become a fan favorite in opposing arenas, a trend that ultimately led to him controversially being voted as a starter for the 1985 All-Star Game. His first year in the league would end with him walking away with Rookie of the Year honors.

“I came (in the NBA) before (Jordan), so I’m one of the older guys,” said Hall of Famer Dominique Wilkins, who played 15 NBA seasons between 1982 and 1999. “He pushed me and I pushed him. We didn’t talk much. We just played. As great players, you don’t talk because they’re going to bring it to you anyway.”

Before Jordan, a five-time NBA MVP, reached the pinnacle of his career, the Detroit Pistons proved to be the Bulls’ Achilles Heel, having eliminated Chicago from the postseason three consecutive seasons between 1987 and 1990. However, in the following year, under the guidance of then-second-year coach Phil Jackson, the Bulls swept the Pistons in the Eastern Conference finals and eventually won the first of three consecutive world championships.

After a two-year hiatus from basketball, the six-time NBA Finals MVP returned to the Bulls in 1995, playing four more seasons in Chicago, a run that brought the franchise three more NBA titles. Following a second retirement that lasted approximately three years, Jordan made one last comeback, this time with the Washington Wizards before calling it a career for good after an April 16, 2003 loss at Philadelphia.

Since his retirement, there have been ongoing debates as to whether No. 23 should be retired by every NBA team in honor of Jordan’s contributions to the game. LeBron James, who made headlines days leading to the All-Star Game in Houston when Jordan said Lakers star Kobe Bryant is a more successful player than the Miami Heat star, is among the current players who believes players who wear No. 23 should discontinue occupying the number.

Following a November 13, 2009 win against the Heat, James, who played for the Cleveland Cavaliers at the time, said he would switch from

Jordan is still very much active in the NBA. The former North Carolina All-American is now the majority owner and chairman of the Charlotte Bobcats. (Photo by Kent Smith, NBAE Getty Images)

wearing No. 23 to No. 6 after the season out of respect for Jordan and that other players should follow suit.

“I feel like no NBA player should wear 23,” James, a three-time league MVP, said after that game. “I’m starting a petition, and I’ve got to get everyone in the NBA to sign it. Now, if I’m not going to wear No. 23, then nobody else should be able to wear it.”

Memphis Grizzlies power forward Zach Randolph, who has met Jordan on several occasions, agreed with James that players should no longer wear No. 23.

“Most definitely,” Randolph, a two-time All-Star, said during Friday’s Media Day session. “That shouldn’t even be a question. That’s not even a question to me. He paved the way for us, the things he did and stuff, what he brought to this game.”

Then, of course, there are some who believe that No. 23 shouldn’t be retired by every team, most notably Wilkins and former NBA great Gary Payton. Payton, who played for five different teams during his 17-year NBA career, was a member of the Seattle SuperSonics team that lost in the six games in the NBA finals to Jordan and the Bulls in 1996.

“I don’t think so,” Payton said. “He didn’t play for a lot of those teams. But if they do, he deserves it. They consider him to be the best basketball player of all time, which has been true.”

Scottie Pippen, who was a member of the Bulls’ six championship teams, turned down interview requests by MemphiSport, but tweeted Sunday morning, “Happy 50^th birthday MJ — my friend, winner, ultimate competitor and the greatest.”

Said Wilkins when asked if the NBA should retire No. 23 in honor of Jordan: “No, because he played with the Bulls most of his career. If another team like Washington, for example, wants to retire his jersey because he played there, then that would be a great thing. But he’s synonymous with the Chicago Bulls. That stands in a place by itself. I don’t think they should retire No. 23 across the board.

“It would be an interesting argument. I mean, he’s the brand of basketball, let just be honest, no matter what anybody else try to say.”

Andre Johnson covers the NBA for MemphiSport. To reach Johnson, email him at andre@memphisport.com. Also, follow him on Twitter at @AJ_Journalist.

Filed Under: NBA, The Big Features Tagged With: 92.9 ESPN, ABC Nightline, Air Jordan, CBS Evening News, Chicago Bulls, Chicago Sun-Times, Chicago Tribune, cleveland cavaliers, DOMINIQUE WILKINS, ESPN DALLAS, ESPN LOS ANGELES, ESPN.COM, Gary Payton, Houston Chronicle, Kobe Bryant, Lebron James, Los Angeles Clippers, Los Angeles Times, Memphis Grizzlies, Michael Jordan, NBA All-Star Game, NBA EASTERN CONFERENCE, NBA WESTERN CONFERENCE, NBC News, Nike, Scottie Pippen, The United Center, Zach Randolph

Grizzlies power forward Zach Randolph back, healthier in latest All-Star appearance

February 16, 2013 by Andre Johnson Leave a Comment

Grizzlies power Zach Randolph (red) attempts to wrestle the ball away from Dwight Howard in the 2010 All-Star Game in Dallas. The 12-year veteran will be making his second appearance in the NBA’s annual showcase of stars Sunday night in Houston’s Toyota Center. (Photo by Jed Jacobsohn/Getty Images North America)

HOUSTON — West All-Stars coach Gregg Popovich recalls all too well Zach Randolph’s extraordinary performance in the opening round of the playoffs two years ago that enabled the Memphis Grizzlies to become only the second eighth-seeded team in NBA history to eliminate a top-seed when they beat the San Antonio Spurs in six games of the their best-of-7-series.

Nevertheless, as much as Randolph had provided fits to his Spurs during that remarkable playoffs series, Popovich admittedly is pleased to witness the 12-year veteran back on the NBA’s most-celebrated stage for the first time in three years.

“It’s great to see him here because he’s very deserving,” Popovich said of Randolph, whose previous All-Star appearance was in 2010 before a sold-out Cowboys Stadium. “He’s a unique player. There’s nobody in the league like him. For a big guy to have the hands he has and the quickness he has, the ability to score is really unique in the way he does it. It seems unorthodox and his timing seems as if it’s a half a count different than everybody else where he gets the shot off or gets a rebound for you. His instincts, his knack for being around the ball is unsurpassed around the league. So, on an individual basis, that’s what makes him great. But secondly, he’s competitive and tough-minded, so it’s wonderful that he’s here.”

To Randolph’s credit, his originality will be put on display once again when the Grizzlies power forward suits up as one of seven reserves for the West squad here Sunday night at 7 CST in the Toyota Center in the NBA’s 72^nd annual All-Star Game. For the 32-year-old Randolph, who essentially has been thrust into the proverbial “franchise player” role since the recent trade of Rudy Gay to Toronto, re-emerging as an All-Star-caliber player at this stage in his career, by all accounts, will make his latest appearance in this event much more relishing.

Among the reasons is that the Marion, Indiana native spent a majority of last year battling a slew of injuries, most notably a torn MCL last January that sidelined him for a majority of the condensed, lockout-shortened regular season. In fact, Randolph’s injury, as he tells it, was the “lowest point” of his career, in large part because he was months removed from having enjoyed a memorable campaign that was highlighted by the Grizzlies staging the best postseason run in franchise history, one in which Randolph steered Memphis to within a game of the Western Conference finals.

“I had that feeling,” Randolph, sitting at his designated table before a gallery of reporters, said during Friday’s Media Day, when asked if he felt his MCL tear would prevent him from returning to full strength. “When it first happened, I was sitting at home and couldn’t move my legs and watching the other guys play. It did cross my mind. But when I got up and started working out last summer, my confidence came back and I believe I could get back to playing at the same level.”

If there were critics who sensed that Randolph was merely a shell of his old self coming into this season, the former Michigan State star effectively silenced them in a December 4 game the Phoenix Suns in FedExForum. That’s when the 6-foot-9 Randolph went off, scoring a season-high 38 points on 15-of-22 field goals and grabbing 22 rebounds in leading the Grizzlies to a 108-98 win.

“I mean, we all knew he came back from injury and into the playoffs, he wasn’t himself,” East starter LeBron James of the Miami Heat, a nine-time All-Star, said of Randolph. “To come all the way back, to play the game he’s playing, and they’re winning in that tough Western Conference, and for him to be back and be in the All-Star Game, you know, kudos to him big time.”

Fortunately for Randolph, while his monster game against the Suns was reminiscent of his exuberant playoff display two years when he averaged a team-best 22.2 points in 13 postseason outings, it was a performance that ultimately prompted a number of coaches around league to acknowledge him for serious All-Star consideration.

The rest, as they say, is history.

“Coming back from injury to this…I mean, the coaches picked me,” Randolph said. “They picked me so this is a great feeling. I guess this (All-Star appearance) is a little more special. You’ve got to take it for what it’s worth and enjoy every minute.”

That’s something about which Randolph pledges to do here in Houston, especially after what he described as a challenging first half of the season for what has become a revamped Grizzlies team.

Randolph’s December 4 game against Phoenix in which he erupted with a 38-point outburst and grabbed 22 rebounds was among the reasons coaches voted him to his second All-Star appearance. (Photo by Justin Ford)

“I believe we still got a pretty good chance,” said Randolph, whose Grizzlies (33-18), despite of number of roster transactions in recent weeks via trades, still occupy the fourth spot in the Western Conference heading the season’s second half. “A lot of people are doubting us because we traded one of our best players. I think we can still do what we set out to do and go to that next level. I think we’ve got some good players who can help this team in different ways.”

In the meantime, though, Randolph — exhibiting his signature smile and cracking jokes with reporters on Friday — just wants to absorb and savor the splendor of the moment, one that, come Sunday night, will give way to him being christened as one of the NBA’s elite, while on the league’s most-celebrated stage.

“I feel like I was supposed to been an All-Star a couple of times,” Randolph said. It’s a blessing. I’m humbled about it. I appreciate it. And being in this room with all these All-Stars, it’s great. It’s means a lot. I was hurt last year and, after putting in the work over the summer to where I am now, it means a lot.”

What a difference one year makes.

Andre Johnson covers the NBA for MemphiSport. To reach Johnson, email him atandre@memphisport.com. Follow him @AJ_Journalist.

Filed Under: Grizzlies, The Big Features Tagged With: cbssports.com, Charles Barkley, Colin Cowherd, East All-Stars, ESPN LOS ANGELES, ESPN.COM, Gregg Popovich, Houston Chronicle, Lebron James, Los Angeles Daily News, Los Angeles Times, Memphis Grizzlies, Mike and Mike In The Morning, NBA All-Star Game, NBA EASTERN CONFERENCE, NBA Western, phoenix suns, San Antonio Spurs, Sports 56 WHBQ, Tim Duncan, TNT Sports, Toyota Center, West All-Stars, Zach Randolph

Miami Heat star LeBron James says he isn’t fazed by Michael Jordan’s recent comments

February 15, 2013 by Andre Johnson Leave a Comment

LeBron James, who led the Miami Heat to their second NBA title last year, said during Friday’s All-Star Media Day he isn’t fazed by Michael Jordan’s recent comments in which he said Kobe Bryant is more successful than James, given Bryant’s multiple championships. (Photo by Chris Evans)

HOUSTON — LeBron James on Friday said he is aware of Michael Jordan’s recent comments in which the NBA Hall of Famer and six-time world champion said he deems Los Angeles Lakers star Kobe Bryant as a more successful player, in large part because Bryant has won more NBA titles than the Miami Heat star.

However, James, in addressing reporters during the Media Day sessions in preparation for Sunday’s All-Star Game in the Toyota Center, contends he isn’t fazed by Jordan’s comments and that winning championships doesn’t necessarily supersede a player’s body of work during the course of his career.

Jordan, the Charlotte Bobcats’ majority owner and chairman who played 16 seasons in the NBA between 1984 and 2003, told the South Florida Sun Sentinel newspaper recently that, “If you had to pick between the two, that would be a tough choice, but five beats one every time I look at it.”

Jordan was referring to the five world championships Bryant has won during his 17-year career with the Lakers. James, now with his second team in ten seasons, won his first NBA title in three tries last year when the Heat beat the Oklahoma City Thunder in five games of their NBA Finals best-of-7 series.

“Yeah, I heard them,” James said of Jordan’s comments. “I heard them. You know, I don’t have a take on them. He said he’d take Kobe over me because five rings are better than one and the last time he checked, five is better than one. But that’s his opinion. At the end of the day, rings don’t always define someone’s career. If that’s the case, I would sit up and here and say (Bill) Russell over Jordan. But I wouldn’t. I wouldn’t take Russell over Jordan. Russell has 11 rings and Jordan has six. Or I would take, I don’t know, Robert Horry (seven-time NBA champion) over Kobe. I wouldn’t do that. But it’s your own opinion.

“Jud Buechler (three-time NBA champion with the Bulls from 1996-1998) has multiple rings. Charles Barkley doesn’t have one ring. He’s not better than Charles Barkley. Rings don’t define a person’s career. Rings don’t define a person’s career. Patrick Ewing is one of the greatest of all time. Reggie Miller is one of the greatest of all time. You know, sometimes, it’s the situation that you’re in and the team that you’re in, but it’s also about timing as well.”

While Bryant, who will be making his 14^th consecutive All-Star appearance (15^th overall), said the conversations surrounding Jordan’s comments involving him and James are mostly media-driven, he said he understands why Jordan had drawn such a comparison.

Bryant (right) said Friday he doesn't believe Jordan's recent remarks regarding James has inspired his inspired his record-setting play of late. "I think he just goes out and plays his game and plays to his strengths," Bryant said of James. (Photo by Chris Evans)

Bryant (right) said Friday he doesn’t believe Jordan’s recent remarks regarding James has inspired his record-setting play of late. “I think he just goes out and plays his game and plays to his strengths,” Bryant said of James. (Photo by Chris Evans)

“I think the message is winning is above everything else,” said Bryant, when asked to assess Jordan’s statements. “I think we all know that. LeBron knows that, and that’s what drives him, to win as many championships as possible…same thing that drives me and the same thing that drives me now, to win as many as you can, and it’s that simple.”

Whether Jordan’s comparisons of James and Bryant have fueled James’ record-setting play of late is up for debate. That’s because the three-time league MVP has manufactured the best offensive efficiency in NBA history during a seven-game stretch (at least 30 points and 60 percent shooting) for a Heat team that has won a league-best seven straight and boasts the league’s third-best record (36-14) following Thursday night’s decisive 110-100 win at the Thunder.

“I don’t think it inspired him over the last seven games,” Bryant said of James, last year’s reining NBA Finals MVP. “I think he just goes out and plays his game and plays to his strengths. I mean, you hit one of those patterns where the hard work and the physical talent all kind of come together and you just hit one of those hot streaks. Some of us have been there before. It’s just no feeling like it.”

Chris Bosh, James’ teammate for the past three seasons, believes all of the talk this week surrounding the Bryant-James comparisons is being blown out of proportion.

“You know, everybody has an opinion,” said Bosh, who will be making his eighth All-Star appearance. “You know, (Jordan) takes (Bryant) and that’s fine. I don’t think it really means that much to LeBron. I mean, there’s inspiration all around us. I think, of course, he can use that specifically as inspiration any way he wants to.”

Asked if Jordan’s recent remarks will serve as bulletin board material, James said, “What I need bulletin board material for? My inspiration is the game I love. I don’t play the game to try to define who I am over what guys say or how they feel about me. I go out and I play for my family. I play for my teammates. I play for my coaching staff and I play for my fans.”

Andre Johnson covers the NBA for MemphiSport. To reach Johnson, email him at andre@memphisport.com. Follow him @AJ_Journalist.

Filed Under: NBA, The Big Features Tagged With: cbssports.com, Charles Barkley, Chris Bosh, ESPN First Take, ESPN.COM, ESPNDallas.com, ESPNLA.com, ESPNNewYork.com, FoxSports.com, Houston Chronicle, Kobe Bryant, Lebron James, Los Angeles Daily News, los angeles lakers, Los Angeles Times, Miami Herald, Michael Jordan, Mike and Mike In The Morning, NBA All-Star Game, NBA EASTERN CONFERENCE, NBA WESTERN CONFERENCE, NBA.COM, Patrick Ewing, Shaquille O'Neal, South Florida Sun Sentinel, TNT Sports, Toyota Center

Top 5 Moments Of Rudy Gay’s Grizzlies Career

February 1, 2013 by C.J. Hurt 1 Comment

Rudy Gay was traded in a three team deal that sent him and Hamed Haddadi to Toronto. (Photo by Chris Evans)

It finally happen. Rudy Gay has been traded, getting Memphis under the luxury tax, and making them more flexible financially. Gay started his career in Memphis and was the longest tenured Grizzlies player on the team. He was the face of the franchise, holding the all-time record for games played (479) and minutes played (17338) as a member of the Grizzlies. However, he was not living up to his max contract, and with Memphis on the verge of having to pay a luxury tax he had to be dealt.There is no more speculation about where he will go, or talk about how he is not living up to his max contract. Gay gave fans several great moments, and now that he is gone, we should all take a step back and reflect on the good times Gay has given the fans on the court.

Charity game
With the NBA lockout in full force, Gay found a way to give fans some of the professional basketball action that they so desperately craved. He put on a charity game highlighted by NBA superstars Lebron James, Kevin Durant, and Tyreke Evans, with all proceeds going to his Flight 22 Foundation. Gay’s team lost 158-151, but he led all scorers with 45 points and countless jaw dropping dunks. It might not have been a NBA game, but the fact he was able to bring his superstar buddies to Memphis showed how much he cared about the community, and it certainly gave us a very memorable moment.

The ”Make your own luck” game
His headband curse is infamous. It seems like every time Gay wears one, he plays poorly. However, on January 23, 2012, after trainers poked fun at him for his performance while wearing a headband, Gay decided to wear one against the Golden State Warriors. The Grizzlies were down by 20 points with 3:43 left in the third quarter, and the Warriors were supposed to cruise to a big win. Yet that is not what happened, thanks in part to Gay’s performance. He led the team with 23 points (19 in the second half), and when Memphis needed a bucket to ice the game, Gay connected on a beautiful fade-away jump shot with just 22 seconds left in the game. He did more than just score that night, he was a play maker and a facilitator. It was one of those nights where he looked like a max player, as he helped lead a furious comeback to get a solid victory for Memphis. Then after the game, with a grin on his face, he showed us that infectious charisma of his and uttered quite possibly the most famous words of his life, “Kids out there, make your own luck.”

“No not this guy!” shot against the Raptors
It is ironic that one of Gay’s most memorable moments has come against the team that he is now a member. The score was 98-98 with just 18.1 seconds left the game with Gay inbounding the ball, which is all very routine. He hits Mike Conley, gets a down screen from Marc Gasol, and catches the Conley pass at the top of the key, which is still very routine. With time dwindling on the game clock Gay takes two dribbles to his right, elevates, and hits his patented jumper with almost no time left, which is still part of the routine. That shot is his go to move, his length makes it difficult to contest, and the Raptors should have expected it. So why is this very routine shot against the lowly Raptors one of Gay’s most memorable moments?

Well unbeknownst to Gay, the Raptors, or any of us there was a fan recording the final seconds of the game. When Gay touches the ball, you can hear the panic, fear, and general displeasure in the fan’s voice, “No it’s Rudy Gay! Not this Guy! Not this guy,” as Gay hits the game winning jump shot. The fan’s reaction is hilarious (Watch the NSFW video), and it is a moment that will live on forever in Grizzlies lore.

UPDATE: Famous Raptors fan who went nuts on YouTube reacts to Rudy Gay trade on MSL

41 point game
On December 13, 2009 Gay scored 40 plus points for the first and only time in his career, setting a career high in points against the Heat. He was unstoppable, hitting 15-28 shots from the field and 3-4 from three. Memphis was a remarkable plus 35 points with him on the court, as he literally had his way the Heat. It was one of those games where Gay showed why he was becoming one of the NBA’s top up and coming young talents, and why it might be worth paying big bucks to keep him. Memphis did just that, signing him to a max deal, but he just never lived up to his contract and he is now a member of the Toronto Raptors.

Game winner over Lebron James
Another game winner tops the list of most memorable Gay moments. This time it comes against one of the best players in the NBA, Lebron James. After James tied the game thanks to a Gay turnover, it seemed like the contest was going into overtime. There was just 5.5 seconds left on the clock, and momentum was strictly in the Heat’s favor. It was a tough night for Gay, who James had effectively took out of the game on the offensive end. Before the game winning shot, Gay was just 4-12 from the field and 0-3 from behind the arch. However, that did not deter him, and with the game on the line Gay rose up over James and hit the game winner as time expired. It was a good day to be Gay and a good day for Grizzlies fans everywhere.

CJ Hurt covers NBA basketball for MemphiSport. Follow him @churtj09 for live tweets from games.

Grizzlies players respond to trade rumors surrounding teammate Rudy Gay

January 11, 2013 by Andre Johnson 3 Comments

Memphis Grizzlies power forward Zach Randolph isn’t a stranger to trade talks.

Grizzlies star Rudy Gay (right) is guarded by LeBron James of the Miami Heat during a November 11 game in FedExForum. That the seven-year has been the subject of trade rumors of late hasn't fazed the Grizzlies, winners of three straight. (Photo by Chris Evans)

Grizzlies star Rudy Gay (right) is guarded by LeBron James of the Miami Heat during a November 11 game in FedExForum. Though the seven-year veteran has been the subject of constant trade rumors of late, such talks haven’t fazed the Grizzlies, winners of three straight. (Photo by Chris Evans)

The 31-year-old veteran, in fact, has changed teams three times during his 12-year stint in the NBA.

So when asked during the team’s shootaround Friday morning to assess the latest trade rumors surrounding teammate Rudy Gay, Randolph was quick to concede that such ongoing discussions have provided the streaking Grizzlies with a renewed sense of morale, something that was seemingly nonexistent for a majority of the month of December when the team generated a 7-7 mark.

The Grizzlies, who play the San Antonio Spurs Friday night in FedExForum, enjoyed their best road trip of the season, winning each of their three games on the West Coast this week, including a resounding 113-81 win at Sacramento Monday night. During those three games, Gay, the team’s leading scorer, averaged 15.1 points, including eight points against the Kings. It was the third time this season that the Grizzlies’ franchise player was limited to single digits in scoring.

Still, Memphis, which boasts the NBA’s third-best record, didn’t appear affected this week by increasing speculations involving a possible trade for Gay as the February 21 trade deadline looms, producing their longest winning streak since mid-December.

“It’s not a distraction,” Randolph said of constant trade discussions. “It’s part of the business. It’s nothing new. (Gay) is no rookie. He’s a seven or eight-year veteran in this league. So he understands that’s how it be sometimes.”

Contrary to various media reports that mentioned the Grizzlies were in preliminary talks with other teams that Gay could be available as early as the before the trade deadline and that the Phoenix Suns were heavily pursuing the 26-year-old small forward, Randolph said he strongly believes the former UConn star and Baltimore native will complete his seventh full season in Memphis.

“I definitely do,” said Randolph who, before joining the Grizzlies in 2009, played for Portland, New York, and the Los Angeles Clippers. “I do. I mean, he’s been here. He’s one of the best small forwards in the NBA.”

Gay, who averages 17.8 points per game, attended the 90-minute shootaround session Friday, then remained on the FedExForum court for about a half an hour afterward to take part in free throw drills with teammates Jerryrd Bayless and Hamed Haddadi.

Prior to the team’s three-game road trip last week, Gay said among the reasons he is considered an “easy target” for a possible midseason trade is that the Grizzlies have been struggling with luxury tax issues for some time. Currently, the team reportedly is over the tax line by more than $4 million, and trading Gay — who, in July 2010, signed a five-year, $82 million extention — would provide the team with much flexibility to upgrade its roster in the future.

Like Randolph, center Marc Gasol believes such evolving talks regarding a possible Gay-for-trade sweepstakes have only enhanced the camaraderie among the Grizzlies, especially during what undoubtedly will be a pivotal stretch in their schedule leading to the All-Star break.

“It was good for us because we won games,” said Gasol, alluding to Memphis’ three road wins this week. “We played better basketball. We were consistent. It doesn’t get any easier. I like playing in front of my home crowd, but it’s always good to go to somebody’s place and get a win. It’s a great feeling.”

What is equally gratifying said Gasol, at least since he was traded by the Los Angeles Lakers to the Grizzlies in 2008, is having the chance to play alongside Gay. However, whether they will remain teammates beyond the trade deadline remains unclear.

“It’s nothing within our control,” said Gasol, when asked if he believes Gay will finish the season with the Grizzlies. “We have to do what we have to do and that’s do our job on the court. Whatever happens off the court is not under our control. He’s a great guy. He’s a great player, a unique talent, and I’ve been with him the whole way. He’s a guy I consider my friend and probably my family.”

Andre Johnson covers the Grizzlies for MemphiSport. To reach Johnson, email him atandre@memphisport.com. Also, follow him on Twitter @AJ_Journalist.

Filed Under: Grizzlies, The Big Features Tagged With: cbssports.com, ESPN NEW YORK, ESPN.COM, FoxSports.com, Lebron James, Lionel Hollins, marc gasol, Memphis Grizzlies, Miami Heat, NBA WESTERN CONFERENCE, NBA.COM, nbcsports.com, phoenix suns, Rudy Gay, San Antonio Spurs, Sports 56 WHBQ, Yahoo.com, Zach Randolph

Ex-NBA All-Star Penny Hardaway says LeBron James isn’t pressured to win a ring this year

November 15, 2012 by Andre Johnson Leave a Comment

When Miami Heat superstar LeBron James commenced to leaping in a triumphant celebration on the sideline as the final seconds evaporated in Game 4 of the NBA Finals against the Oklahoma City Thunder last year, among those who was the most proud was Penny Hardaway.

Despite his controversial departure from Cleveland after seven seasons, Miami Heat star LeBron James said after Sunday’s game against the Grizzlies he is relieved to have finally won an NBA title. (Photo by Chris Evans)

Hardaway and James established a solid rapport when James entered the NBA out of St. Vincent-St. Mary High in 2003, in large part because Hardaway was among the players James idolized while growing up in Akron, Ohio. Hardaway, who last played for the Heat in 2007 before witnessing his 14-year professional career end prematurely because of an assortment of injuries, said after Sunday’s Heat versus Grizzlies game in FedExForum that while much of the criticism aimed at James in recent years was self-manufactured, he believes the three-time league MVP silenced many of his critics after leading the Heat to their second NBA championship in franchise history.

“I think the pressure is gone,” said Hardaway, when asked if there is more pressure on James to win another title this year. “They now want to see how he responds.”

Five months removed from having earned his that elusive world title, a usual-nonchalant James appeared as moderate as he has been since he arrived at South Beach two years ago. Roughly a half hour after Sunday’s 104-86 loss to the Grizzlies, for instance, with a crowd of reporters assembled in front of his locker, James reached for his iPad to get a quick check of NFL scores. He was pleased by what he discovered.

“Well, I see my Cowboys won,” James said laughing. “(Tony) Romo had a good game.”

Unlike the Dallas Mavericks, who got off to a 0-3 start the year after winning the NBA title, James and Co. appear as if they aren’t affected by a championship hangover, something Hardaway said is pivotal for a veteran team that is the odds-on favorite to claim its third consecutive Eastern Conference crown. Despite having their four-game undefeated streak snapped by the Grizzlies, Miami brought a 5-1 mark into Sunday’s game, with James, Dwyane Wade, and Chris Bosh each displaying offensive proficiency, averaging better than 20 points apiece.

As far as capturing another Larry O’Brien trophy goes, Hardaway said much of that will depend largely on the team’s ability to stay healthy and, most importantly, how well James exerts the pressure of being the catalyst of a Heat squad that has emerged as “everybody’s big game.”

“I’m happy I’ve finally got it done,” James said of winning his first NBA title. “It was a goal of mine for quite some time.”

Hardaway, who played in the 1995 NBA Finals during his six-year stint with the Orlando Magic, said though James’ controversial nationally-televised announcement to leave Cleveland coupled with the Heat losing to the Mavericks in the finals in 2011 resulted in immense criticism from the media and his peers, he believed James handled the negative backlash with ease.

Among the reasons is that the Heat had to rally from a two games to one deficit against Indiana in the semifinals of the Eastern Conference playoffs, a 3-2 hole against Boston in the conference finals, and wasted little time dispatching a high-powered Thunder team that was expected to challenge them in the NBA Finals.

Though James was met by an array of boos during player introductions Sunday, the reigning MVP managed to draw rousing applauses when he converted an electrifying alley-oop dunk early in the first quarter versus the Grizzlies. (Photo by Chris Evans)

Miami swept the Thunder in four games to seize its first NBA title in six years as James was named finals MVP.

“I haven’t spoken to him since he won the championship,” said Hardaway, who visited the Heat locker room Sunday to congratulate James. “He went straight to the Olympics. I’m very proud of him because he was under so much scrutiny because he didn’t win one in his first year (in Miami). He’ll tell you.

“I think it hurt him the first year he went to Miami under a decision,” added Hardaway, alluding to James’ national-televised prime-time announcement in which he revealed to ESPN’s Jim Gray his decision to join Wade and Bosh in Miami. “When he said they would win five or six championships, people didn’t like that. He was booed in every arena he went to.”

Sunday was no exception in FedExForum, although a large contingent of fans amongst the announced sellout crowd turned out wearing James’ No. 6 jerseys. The eight-time All-Star, as expected, was met by scattered boos during player introductions. However, that all changed near the halfway point of the opening quarter when James fielded a perfectly-timed fast break lob from Mario Chalmers then threw down a thunderous two-handed slam, drawing a rousing applause from spectators.

“LeBron is a great guy, a great teammate,” Heat swingman Shane Battier said. “I think the criticism he took was unfair, was unjust. I think they applaud him more now with a championship ring. I don’t think (winning championships) matters. Winning is tough enough. So he’s always going to be under pressure. I mean, he’s the best player in the world.”

Which, of course, is among the obvious reasons James, who turns 28 December 30, will be expected to garner the multiple championships he publicly predicted days after arriving at South Beach.

“I don’t know if he’s going to be under pressure to win (a title) this year,” Hardaway said. “But if they don’t win this year, the pressure will come back.”

Stay tuned.

Andre Johnson covers the NBA for MemphiSport. To reach Johnson, email him at andre@memphisport.net. Also, follow him on Twitter @AJ_Journalist.

Filed Under: NBA, The Big Features Tagged With: Lebron James, Memphis Grizzlies, Miami Heat, NBA Finals, NBA Playoffs, Penny Hardaway

Chalmers on Kansas beating Memphis in 2008: ‘I took that championship from them’

November 12, 2012 by Andre Johnson Leave a Comment

ALL HE DO IS WIN: Miami Heat point guard Mario Chalmers has won championships at virtually every level, most notably a NCAA title against Memphis in 2008. (Photo by Chris Evans)

Mario Chalmers has come to a point where he expects it.

Ever since Chalmers, the Miami Heat point guard, entered the NBA out of Kansas four year ago, his annual trip to Memphis is one in which he admittedly doesn’t look forward to.

“I always get booed whenever I come here,” Chalmers said before Sunday’s Heat versus Memphis Grizzlies game in FedExForum.

That’s because Memphians recall all too well Chalmers’ memorable shot against the University of Memphis in the 2008 NCAA championship game, one that has drawn comparisons to Michael Jordan’s baseline game-winner that lifted North Carolina past Georgetown in the 1982 title game and Keith Smart’s jumper in the waning seconds that allowed Indiana to upend Syracuse for the Hoosiers’ fifth national crown.

With former Memphis and current Chicago Bulls star Derrick Rose closely guarding him, Chalmers drained a desperation three-point basket with 2.1 seconds remaining in regulation that forced overtime. His basket ultimately shifted momentum the Jayhawks’ way, considering Memphis led by nine points with just over two minutes remaining and seemed well on its way to capturing its first national title in history.

Unfortunately for the Tigers, Chalmers’ shot that was later dubbed “Mario’s Miracle,” essentially marked the end of what was a dramatic run through the NCAA tournament. Kansas went on to defeat Memphis, 75-68, to seize the school’s third national championship.

Consequently, the Memphis basketball program endured even greater hardships in the aftermath of arguably the biggest setback in Tiger hoops history. John Calipari eventually bolted the school after nine seasons as head coach to asume the same position at Kentucky in what he described as the “Notre Dame of college basketball.” It was later discovered that Rose, who played one season at Memphis, allegedly had someone to take his SAT entrance exam, an infraction that forced the program to vacate the entire 2007-08 season. The school also was stripped of its Final Four appearance.

While Memphis was forced to remove its national runner-up banner from the FedExForum rafters, Chalmers’ shot in the waning moments of regulation against the Tigers is what Memphians will remember most. During the Heat’s pregame shoot-around Sunday afternoon, Chalmers enjoyed a rather peaceful atmosphere as he drained shots from as far as 30 feet from the basket in a mostly empty arena.

As expected, however, after he was the first player introduced during the starting lineups, he was met by scattered boos throughout the announced sellout crowd.

He has only himself to blame, but for good reasons.

“They took that personally,” Chalmers said of the shot that overshadowed the winningest season (38-2) in Memphis basketball history.

So much, in fact, that Chalmers said he also remembers during his rookie season how Memphians essentially reminded former Kansas and current Grizzlies forward Darrell Arthur of the disheartening turn of events that unfolded in San Antonio’s Alamo Dome on the night of April 7, 2008.

In the 2008 NCAA Championship game, Chalmers drained a 3-point shot against Memphis with 2.1 seconds left in regulation that forced overtime and ultimately led to Kansas’ third national title. Chalmers’ memorable shot still haunts Memphians four years later.

“I think Darrell Arthur got booed a bit,” Chalmers said with a grin. “I mean, that was one of the biggest shots in college basketball history.”

Arthur, who were roommates with Chalmers for years while at Kansas, said that while he understands the disappointment among Memphians over the Tigers’ loss to Kansas, he is still happy about the outcome.

“I think they booed me my first year,” Arthur said. “We took what they had been waiting a long time for.”

For Chalmers, who was named the Most Outstanding Player of the NCAA tournament, many believed his game-tying shot from beyond the arc in the 2008 title game only elevated his celebrity.

“It enhanced it,” Arthur said. “He’s just that type of player. He won two high school championships. He won a college championship. And he won an NBA championship last year. That was a heckuva game. It probably won’t be another college game like that. I think about that game every day.”

As for Chalmers, whenever he visits Memphis, he realizes Tiger fans are almost certain to remind him of how he broke their collective hearts on what was shaping up to be an exuberant night in the Bluff City. As Chalmers tells it, he has come to point where he expects it.

“I took that championship from them,” Chalmers said.

Which, fortunately for him, was one shining moment.

Andre Johnson covers the NBA for MemphiSport. To reach Johnson, email him at andre@memphisport.net. Also, follow him on Twitter @AJ_Journalist.

Filed Under: Grizzlies, The Big Features Tagged With: final four, Lebron James, MARIO CHALMERS, Memphis Basketball, Miami Heat

5 Must See Grizzlies Games on the 2012-13 Schedule

July 27, 2012 by C.J. Hurt Leave a Comment

Photo by Justin Ford

The Grizzlies announced their regular season games for the 2012-2013 season and it is full of intriguing matchups. Thanks to consecutive trips to the post season, Memphis has 15 nationally televised games, the most ever in franchise history. They get the annual MLK game, this year it is against the Pacers, and get to play every NBA team at home this season after not playing the Celtics and the Heat at the Forum last year. Here is a list of five games every Grizzlies’ fan should watch this year.

LA Clippers October 31^st @ The Staples Center
This is the Grizzlies first game of the year and it comes against the team that eliminated them from the playoffs in the first round, in a thrilling seven game series last season. The Clippers should be one of the West’s best teams and give Memphis a good gauge of how good they are at the start of the season. The masters of flop are down one phenomenal flopper in Reggie Evans and Nick Young. However, Chauncey Billups will be back and LA has added Jamal Crawford and Mr. Kardashian himself Lamar Odom, so they should be even better this year. A back court of Billups and Chris Paul with Blake Griffin at power forward is going to be difficult to matchup with, but will be an exciting first game for all Grizzlies’ fans.

Utah Jazz November 5^th @ FedExForum
This is the home opener for Memphis and it comes against a very good opponent. The Jazz were a playoff team last season, and while nobody is going to get any Jazz player confused with Karl Malone or John Stockton, they are very capable of ruining the festivities for fans during the home opener. Memphis is 3-1 the past two years against the Jazz at home, so a win is highly probable on opening night.

Miami Heat November 11^th @ FedExForum
A Sunday night game against the defending NBA champions is cause for excitement every year. Lebron James, Dwayne Wade, and Chris Bosh return to Memphis for the first time since 2010 thanks to the lockout. The last time the Heat visited the “Grind House” Rudy Gay hit a last second shot over James to give Memphis a 97-95 victory. Add to it that this Heat team has former Grizzlies’ fan favorites Mike Miller and Shane Battier and you have a must watch scenario for Grizzlies’ fans.

Oklahoma City Thunder November 14^th @Chesapeake Energy Arena
Just three days after taking on the Finals Champion Miami Heat, the Grizzlies take a trip to Oklahoma City to battle the Western Conference Champion. The hated Thunder have several superstars including the two time NBA scoring champion Kevin Durant and Serge Ibaka a First Team All NBA Defensive selection. Perhaps the most intriguing player on the Thunder roster is former first round draft pick by Memphis, Hasheem Thabeet. He has been dubbed a bust in Memphis, and nothing would make Grizzlies’ fans more upset than seeing Thabeet play a significant role on a title contender especially OKC. This is also the Grizzlies first nationally televised game of the year.

Dallas Mavericks February 27th @ FedExForum
The Grizzlies are 5-2 against the Mavs the past two seasons. And this divisional rivalry has had some additional fuel added to the fire with OJ Mayo becoming a member of the Mavs this season. This will be Mayo’s second trip back to the Forum after averaging 15.2 points per game as a member of the Grizzlies. It will be an emotional game for Mayo and fans who have grown accustomed to seeing him put the three point guns in their holster throughout the past four seasons. It is also the regular season finale and playoff positioning might be on the line.

CJ Hurt covers the Grizzlies for MemphiSport. Follow him @churtj09 for live tweets from FedExForum.

Filed Under: Grizzlies, The Big Features, Web Exclusives Tagged With: Chris Bosh, CHRIS PAUL, dallas mavericks, Dwayne Wade, Kardashian, Kevin Durant, la clippers, Lamar Odom, Lebron James, Memphis Grizzlies, Miami Heat, OJ Mayo, OKC Thunder, Rudy Gay, Serge Ibaka, Shane Battier

Rudy Gay talks about his charity game on MSL

November 5, 2011 by MemphiSport Leave a Comment

Rudy Gay joined Kevin Cerrito and Marcus Hunter on MSL to talk about his upcoming charity All-Star game, his sister singing the National Anthem, Monta Ellis confirming his appearance, and much more.

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Click here to download Rudy Gay’s interview from the November 5, 2011 MSL

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Kevin Cerrito and Marcus Hunter host MemphiSport Live (MSL) every Saturday from 11:00 am – 1:00 pm on Sports 56 WHBQ. MSL was voted 3rd Best Sports Radio Show in the 2010 & 2011 Memphis Flyer Best of Memphis poll.

Follow the MSL hosts on Twitter @cerrito & @marcus_hunter