Notes from the Southwest: Grizzlies, Popovich, Zion, and Valanciunas
Pelicans center Jonas Valanciunas says he’s noticed a shift in Zion Williamson this season in an interview with Mark Medina of Sportskeeda.
Williamson’s NBA career has been characterized thus far by his alluring talent and incapacity to remain on the floor. Over the course of four years, he only played 114 games in total, including 29 last season.
Williamson has promised to look after himself more and prepare his body for the demands of an NBA season.
Williamson has been demonstrating to his teammates his commitment to fulfilling that pledge, which has led Valanciunas to believe that he is.
“He’s been excellent. He’s always been accessible, according to Valanciunas. “He is tending to his physical needs. He delivers a [curse].
It is quite significant. This year, he has excelled. He is developing. His experience is growing. He does certain things each time he gets onto the court.
It won’t happen right now. He gives you the full experience, which is something you have to see. He is eager to give everything and open to learning. What more is there for you to ask?
From the Southwest Division, here’s more:
Williamson will not be playing in tonight’s game in Utah because the Pelicans will not be using him in back-to-back games, according to a tweet from Christian Clark of NOLA.
In a tournament game on Friday night, Williamson played 34 minutes as New Orleans upset the Clippers.
According to Janie McCauley of The Associated Press, Spurs coach Gregg Popovich doesn’t regret taking a microphone on Wednesday and pleading with supporters to stop jeering Kawhi Leonard. “It’s quite simple to comprehend,” Popovich said to reporters on Friday.
“After listening to it for a while, it just kept getting louder and uglier, and I started to feel bad for him and ashamed for our city and organization.”
Mike Finger of the San Antonio Express-News argues that Popovich’s power is limited given the crowd’s disobedience of his request.
He attributes the response to the Spurs’ dismal record and Popovich’s vocal political remarks.
According to Damichael Cole of The Memphis Commercial Appeal, the Grizzlies think their problems extend beyond Ja Morant’s suspension and injuries to other important players.
Derrick Rose urged the squad to concentrate more on defense following Friday’s loss in Phoenix, while Desmond Bane pushed for a return to the principles of basketball.
Bane stated, “It’s just a commitment that we have to make from 1 to 15. It is the responsibility of every player on the floor to run, share the ball, and take advantage of opportunities by acting aggressively.
Swing it to the available teammate if they’re not present. The game is quite basic.
