MEMPHIS, Tenn — The NBA season is just around the corner which means fans of the Memphis Grizzlies were treated to a sneak peek of what they can expect this season with an open practice at FedExForum on Sunday afternoon.
The entire lower level of the forum was packed out to see Grizzlies players go head-to-head in a skills challenge, a three-point challenge and of course the rookie dance off.
Zach Edey did the dougie, Cam Spencer danced to the macarena, Jaylen Wells did a dance we're dubbing as the 'stomp dance' and then it was time for the real show - Japanese guard Yuki Kawamura.
The Forum chanted 'Yuki, Yuki, Yuki' before the Grizzlies shortest player did the griddy and brought Ja Morant out on the floor to do it with him.
“I think Yuki definitely stole the show today," forward Jake LaRavia said. "He’s a joy to be around, he’s a character.”
“He’s full of energy, has got a bubbling personality," head coach Taylor Jenkins said. "I'm glad he was able to showcase that center court in front of the fans. He’s doing a lot more than dancing and winning those competitions, he’s helped elevate the tone of our practices.”
While Wells and Edey's dance moves weren't quite up to scratch. The rookie duo impressed in their own ways.
Edey showed that he's got plenty of range from three, something Grizz fans can expect to see more of from the towering center this season.
“When there’s opportunities for him to be out on the perimeter I want him to feel like he has the green light," Jenkins said. "I don’t want to restrict him by any means and we’ll see what he’s capable of.”
Wells on the other hand put his pace and accuracy on full display as he won the skills challenge with a three that he didn't even watch go in.
“He’s another guy that’s got tons of energy," Jenkins said. "He’s come in and just been consistent with the effort on both sides of the floor the pace that we’re playing with, defensive activity, I've been really impressed with a rookie coming in.”
But what might impress fans more than any one player is how much this group of Grizzlies are enjoying being together.
“As I’ve challenged the guys to poor into our standard and our culture the one thing I really want to double down on is our togetherness," Jenkins said. "The guys have a really good vibe about them but we can be excited as much as we want but when we live in the reality of competition and the grind of the season are we going to maintain and sustain the togetherness which can be a separating factor for us.”
The Grizzlies tipoff the preseason on Monday against the Dallas Mavericks in Dallas at 7 p.m. CT. It will be one of five preseason games before the Grizzlies start the season at the Jazz.