Chris Dodson Articles - Page 2

The Brooklyn Nets showed some promising glimpses for a franchise in transition during Las Vegas Summer League action, yet there were obvious growing pains. Among the young players navigating this developmental stage, rookie Danny Wolf stands out not just for his potential but for his realistic understanding of the challenges that lie ahead. However, one […]

With just weeks until NBA training camps ramp up, fans of the hard-running Chicago Bulls are gradually getting comfortable with a “special” point guard running the second unit. Japan National Team star Yuki Kawamura is still learning the NBA‘s native language after all, both figuratively and literally. However, at least one big name around the […]

Ja Morant’s regrouping Memphis Grizzlies are heading into 2025 Las Vegas NBA Summer League action with a clear opportunity to evaluate key pieces for the upcoming season, Tuomas Iisalo included. The Finnish coach was thrown into the fire as a first-year assistant, being elevated to the lead chair with less than two weeks remaining before […]

The Memphis Grizzlies wasted no time in the opening hours of NBA Free Agency. EVP Zach Kleiman inked both Jaren Jackson Jr. and Santi Aldama to multi-year deals, making a massive financial commitment and statement about the franchise’s championship aspirations. Securing two pivotal pieces with substantial contract extensions is an all-in commitment to building around […]

The Memphis Grizzlies made headlines by locking up Jaren Jackson Jr. with a five-year, $240 million maximum contract extension to open the NBA Free Agency frenzy. Almost immediately, some criticism began flowing from the national media. Too much money. Too much risk. Too much commitment to a player who hasn’t proven he can stay healthy. […]

Some analysts were surprised when Commissioner Adam Silver announced the Memphis Grizzlies traded up to select Cedric Coward in the 2025 NBA Draft. The soon-to-be 22-year-old only played six games at Washington State last season, after all, with much of the college tape coming from the NCAA Division III level. However, EVP Zach Kleiman’s organization […]

With trade market surveying being near complete, the Memphis Grizzlies are getting serious about the 2025 NBA Draft. After weeks of only looking at prospects with slim second-round hopes, EVP Zach Kleiman has called in a few lottery talents. Asa Newell tops the charts as a frontcourt option. The team also flew in wings Cedric […]

It was apt that construction sounds could be heard bouncing off the Smoothie King Center’s walls during the “Beyond the Record: Second Chances Summit” hosted by Zion Williamson’s open-for-business New Orleans Pelicans. This is a city accustomed to constant remodeling by well-monied interests as the community’s greater individual needs get drowned out by tourist revelries […]

The Memphis Grizzlies have fully committed to a franchise pivot after trading Desmond Bane to the Orlando Magic. Kentavious Caldwell-Pope is ‘excited’ about the new-look Grizzlies but EVP/GM Zach Kleiman is nowhere near finished putting together next season’s roster. Free agency and trade markets are always in flux. However, using the 16th overall pick to […]

The Memphis Grizzlies are leaving no stone unturned as they prepare for the 2025 NBA Draft, currently holding the 16th and 48th picks. Thankfully, EVP/GM Zach Kleiman has shown a knack for uncovering useful talent outside of the NBA Draft lottery lately. Santi Aldama, John Konchar, Desmond Bane, Brandon Clarke, Jaylen Wells, Cam Spencer, Trey […]

EVP/GM Zach Kleiman did not mince words when it came to this team’s readiness to complete and the Memphis Grizzlies have made some bold moves to kickstart the offseason. This makes the second consecutive summer the front office has taken an against-the-grain swing at solidifying the future. Standing at 7-foot-4 with a dominant college resume, […]

The regrouping Memphis Grizzlies hit an obvious crossroads after a disappointing, injury-riddled season, per EVP Zach Kleiman’s exit interview. Taylor Jenkins did not survive the 82-game gauntlet and the first aggressive move to elevate the team back into Western Conference contention was sending Desmond Bane to the Orlando Magic. Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, Cole Anthony, and multiple first-round […]

The Memphis Grizzlies had no reason to wait for the NBA Finals to wrap up before making a significant offseason move. Getting Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, Cole Anthony, and four first-rounders plus a swap option from the Orlando Magic for Desmond Bane was too good of an offer to pass up. There are plenty of reasons to […]

The regrouping Memphis Grizzlies are in an interesting position after being swept from the postseason. Ja Morant figuring out the Oklahoma City Thunder before getting undercut by Lu Dort provided a little comfort going into the summer break. However, to truly contend in the Western Conference, EVP/GM Zach Kleiman thought a shake-up was needed. There […]

Sharing touching moments is something everyone can appreciate; hearing a handful from a hoops family is a blessing. Well, highly valued Atlanta Hawks veteran Larry Nance Jr. marked Father’s Day 2025 with a poignant tribute to his NBA journey, sharing his top five career moments with ClutchPoints on social media. Each memory (except one) reflects his […]

The New Orleans Pelicans are still trying to find a ‘focal point’ as recently-hired EVP Joe Dumars settles into the job. Other executives are giving the new front office little time to figure things out. According to league sources, more than a handful of teams are inquiring about what it would take to pry Trey […]

Portland Trail Blazers small forward Deni Avdija has emerged as a trade target for the Memphis Grizzlies in multiple conversations with league sources. However, it is understood that no deal is imminent. Conventional wisdom and recent NBA Playoffs results suggest the Grizzlies do not need another superstar to contend; Ja Morant, Desmond Bane, and Jaren […]

The wound-licking Memphis Grizzlies are about to navigate through the most crucial summer in franchise history. With a healthy, fully bought-in Ja Morant and Defensive Player of the Year caliber Jaren Jackson Jr. anchoring the locker room, the championship window is open. To seize this moment, EVP/GM Zach Kleiman must explore every avenue to acquire […]

When the Memphis Grizzlies selected a now surgically repaired Zach Edey in the 2024 NBA Draft, it was a bold, philosophy-shifting swing with potential for a squad built around Ja Morant’s speed and Jaren Jackson Jr.’s versatility. Calls for the Grizzlies to be patient with the oft-injured 7-foot-4 phenom are well within reason after a […]

The Memphis Grizzlies’ offseason plans were abruptly recalibrated when rookie center Zach Edey underwent surgery for excessive ligamentous laxity in his left ankle, sidelining him indefinitely. With their 7-foot-4 anchor of the future expected to miss a significant portion of the 2025-26 season, new head coach Tuomas Iisalo faces an early defining challenge. Yet within […]

The Memphis Grizzlies made a bold move in firing head coach Taylor Jenkins with just nine games left in the regular season and promoting assistant coach Tuomas Iisalo. EVP/GM Zach Kleiman’s decision came as a shock to many given the team’s playoff trajectory and Jenkins’ established role in shaping the franchise’s recent success. Jenkins has […]

Bad blood rivalries transcend the court when it comes to NBA basketball. Organizations chase NBA Finals appearances and championships; broadcasters chase ratings and market share. Shaquille O’Neal and Charles Barkley have done both after decades in the league and with TNT’s Inside the NBA show. Shouting matches over the most talented, most popular star who […]

Mark Daigneault (Oklahoma City Thunder) and Rick Carlisle (Indiana Pacers) are not the only NBA Finals shot-callers looking to make adjustments this June. NBA Commissioner Adam Silver is switching up the NBA All-Star Game format, again, and there are apparently more changes coming to next season’s schedule. If the league is taking suggestions, let’s spice […]

NBA offseasons look a bit different for every player. Intense training workouts, hometown visits, and the occasional indulgence are expected to be seen on social media. Finding a balance becomes a full-time job, especially for young players dealing with national team obligations, contract negotiations, and/or trade rumors. After months of conversations and a few parting […]

Marvin Bagley III, the former second overall pick in the 2018 NBA Draft, is preparing for the upcoming NBA free agency frenzy. As the Memphis Grizzlies now know, the 26-year-old has carved out a seven-year career defined not by flashy highlights but by an unyielding commitment to preparation and mental fortitude. In an exclusive interview […]

After a first-round playoff sweep by the Oklahoma City Thunder, the Memphis Grizzlies face a bombshell-filled offseason with Ja Morant and Jaren Jackson Jr. in place as All-Star cornerstones. EVP Zach Kleiman must seize the opportunity to transform the team into a championship contender by trading for a bit more help, even if it means […]

As Ja Morant’s Memphis Grizzlies regroup from a first-round playoff sweep at the hands of Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s near-perfect Oklahoma City Thunder, EVP Zach Kleiman faces a pivotal offseason to elevate the franchise from perennial playoff hopeful to bona fide championship contender. With a young core led by Morant and Jaren Jackson Jr., the offseason roster-building […]

The Oklahoma City Thunder are getting cute on social media and getting compliments from the Memphis Grizzlies while waiting for a second-round NBA Playoffs opponent. Down time is not dead time, though, not for Mark Daigneault’s ‘imperfect’ Thunder. Everything around the organization is focused on building a championship culture and letting everyone feel they have […]

As the ‘imperfect’ Oklahoma City Thunder charge through the NBA Playoffs, a collective hunger and unselfish play have become defining traits of the Shai Gilgeous-Alexander-led squad. Second-year guard Cason Wallace is another new addition that embodies Oklahoma City’s underdog spirit and camaraderie, which propelled them to a rather straightforward series sweep of Ja Morant’s Memphis […]

The Memphis Grizzlies entered the NBA Playoffs with hopes of making noise as a young, hungry team. Instead, Jaren Jackson Jr. was among many handed a harsh reality check by Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s top-seeded Oklahoma City Thunder, who completed a first-round sweep with a dominant performance that left EVP Zach Kleiman searching for answers. The series, […]

The Memphis Grizzlies are dealing with Ja Morant rumors already but there is reason for optimism after being swept by Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s top-seeded Oklahoma City Thunder. A budding chemistry between rookie center Zach Edey and guard Scotty Pippen Jr. offers a foundation for the future. If nothing else was learned by the Grizzlies, Executive Vice […]

The Memphis Grizzlies failed to figure out Shai Gilgeous-Alexander‘s Oklahoma City Thunder without Ja Morant (hip) so Tuomas Iisalo’s maiden 2025 NBA Playoff run unfortunately ended sooner than hoped. Yet, amid the first-round exit disappointment, an unlikely hero emerged as a foundational building block. The losses were tough, sure, but Scotty Pippen Jr.’s relentless energy, […]

It’s too late in the season to get cute with the scouting reports. The best shot at winning a postseason game and Tuomas Iisalo securing the full-time Memphis Grizzlies job is by granting Ja Morant and Jaren Jackson Jr. the offensive freedom they crave. Simply put, tailoring the system to maximize their unique talents is […]

The Memphis Grizzlies were playing things cool after two lopsided road losses to open an NBA Playoff series versus Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s Oklahoma City Thunder. Ja Morant’s Grizzlies were even issuing guarantees before a massive must-win back home on Beale Street. The FedEx Forum’s loyal fans should pack the house but what kind of response will […]

It can be hard to know what to say sometimes, especially for a new voice trying to lead a well-established, entrenched group. Well, Memphis Grizzlies interim coach Tuomas Iisalo delivered a terse but pointed message to his team following a 118-99 loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder in Game 2 of their first-round Western Conference […]

The Memphis Grizzlies were unfazed after a Game 1 blowout but Game 2’s 118-99 scoreline suggests Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s Oklahoma City Thunder are still unbothered by the lower-seeded squad. The Ja Morant-led high-octane, drive-and-kick offense, built around generating open three-point looks, continues to falter against the NBA’s most suffocating defense. Jaylen Wells being out can only […]

Mark Daigneault made it clear he’s not chasing perfection after the Oklahoma City Thunder’s commanding 51-point victory over the Memphis Grizzlies in Game 1 of their NBA playoff series. The 40-years-young coach, in his fifth season leading Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s upstart, small-market Thunder, emphasized that basketball’s inherent flaws are part of what defines the game, even […]

The Memphis Grizzlies are shrugging off a lopsided Game 1 loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder, approaching Game 2 with a calm resolve that belies the 51-point deficit from Easter Sunday’s demolition. Despite the Thunder’s dominant performance, Tuomas Iisalo dismissed any notion of pressure weighing on Ja Morant’s Grizzlies, instead shifting expectations to the heavily […]

The Memphis Grizzlies were left looking for silver linings after a 131-80 blowout loss to open an NBA Playoffs first-round series versus the Oklahoma City Thunder. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander was all smiles after the win while Ja Morant was making bold declarations about the future. There are still a few more meetings on the books but […]