Griz chief weaves into city fabric far from L.A.

Traffic began to swell and massive crowds formed as another Redbirds game approached.

Through that typical chaos, Jerry West emerged from an office in Toyota Plaza and began a short stroll toward The Peabody.

What happened next was anything but normal.

Via Memphis Commercial Appeal

Memphis Grizzlies

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Grizzlies looking for power player

Ron Tillery of the Commercial Appeal reports that the Grizzlies will be looking to add a power player this off-season to help bolster a team that won 28 games last season.

"We need strength," West said. "Sometimes strength doesn't come in size. . . . Don't ever underestimate the experience factor.

"Sometimes there are things that you do that make people scratch their heads and say why did you do that," West said. "When you win 28 games, I think it's important to think about doing anything if you can help yourself. . . . I do not (avoid) phone calls from other teams' general managers."

Head coach Hubie Brown does not feel the draft can answer the Grizzlies need for an inside presence.

"We all know there's not a player in the draft that can do that at the position we need," Brown said. "We know there will be a solid talent there in the draft. But not a talent that can step in and rebound and block shots in a starting role."

West, who normally is able to conduct draft day magic, may not be able to do so this summer. The Grizzlies, who are the seventh seed, will lose their pick if it is not the top overall pick in the draft. They will, however, have Houston's first round pick, which currently stands at 13, and Sacramento's first round pick, which is slated to be the 27th pick.

West may be able to package the draft picks with a player or two to get a player he feels can help fill a need.

"It comes down to creativity," Brown said. "People who are creative always seem to get the job done when it comes to free agency, trades and maneuvering in the draft. They don't use (the salary cap rules) as an excuse to why they didn't get something done. It always amazes me that every year the same guys are doing things, and the rest of the league is watching. Yet their teams are always over the cap.

"And once again, the word I always use is courage, because they're always getting rid of high-profiled people to get something that is at first questioned, but halfway through the season you see what the person saw."

Of course, the Grizzlies will have their mid-level exception, which West is very optimistic about.

"One player," West said, "can make an enormous difference. We think there are going to be some good bargains at the (midlevel exception). We think we can get someone pretty good with that exception if we decide to use it. . . . The new salary (cap) restrictions have changed the league forever."

Via Commercial Appeal

Memphis Grizzlies

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Mike Miller looking for extension

Ron Tillery of the Memphis Commercial Appeal reports: Mike Miller is interested in signing a contract extension with the Memphis Grizzlies.

Miller will be eligible to recieve an extension between Aug.1-Oct.31.

"It'd be great to do that because it means you'll be with one team," Miller said. "They're making a commitment to you and you're making one to them. I see this team as being good in the future so I'm excited about being a part of it. I'm really happy to be here."

Jerry West coveted Miller for a while and made it clear Miller was part of the future.

"If you get a player you like and you think he's going to be a part of your future those are things you get done and out of the way," West said. "I don't view it as a major thing.

"I don't think you leave players in a lurch in terms of contracts. It's better to face those and try to go forward."

Miller is confident that not only will an extension get done, but that West will continue to add the right players to create a winning atmosphere.

"With the credibility he makes it easier to sign players," Miller said of West. "He's going to keep bringing quality players in here, and coach (Hubie) Brown will know what to do with them once they get here."

Via The Commercial Appeal

Memphis Grizzlies

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