Memphis Grizzlies basketball is gradually approaching.
The team will hold training camp at Belmont University in Nashville from Sept. 29 through Oct. 2.
Training camp will begin with several questions after Memphis made drastic changes to its roster. Ja Morant, Santi Aldama, Jaren Jackson Jr. and John Konchar are among the players who have left in the past calendar year.
A new group of young talent has been combined with players who fit the team’s purposeful identity of being tough, physical and defensive-minded.
Storylines will emerge throughout the preseason and regular season, but heading into camp, here are three pressing topics that stand above the rest.
Zach Edey’s latest
Center Zach Edey is arguably one of the most important players on the roster. He played
only 11 games last season because of multiple ankle procedures.
When Edey was healthy, the Grizzlies were one of the NBA’s best rebounding and rim-protecting teams. After Edey was sidelined, the Grizzlies struggled in those areas.
Coach Tuomas Iisalo referenced Edey multiple times last season when discussing the team’s issues, implying Edey’s absence prevented the Grizzlies from reaching their potential.
After two surgeries, the question now is what they can get from him.
Will he be the same player? Could he potentially be better? Or will he be limited during training camp and perhaps even early in the regular season?
Edey’s health and availability will be among the most important things to monitor once camp begins.
Cam Boozer’s adjustment and first impression
Cam Boozer should get the keys to the franchise this season as a 19-year-old rookie. His playmaking, rebounding and defensive instincts stand out nearly as much as his ability to score.
Boozer has already started working out with some of his teammates and generated strong reviews. With Memphis now entering a controlled team environment, it will be important to monitor how quickly he adjusts.
One of Boozer’s biggest strengths is his mind. His ability to process the game quickly stands out, but it’s difficult to expect an NBA rookie to immediately make a major impact in that area.
Training camp will provide a good opportunity to see how Boozer is digesting information, adjusting to the NBA game and growing throughout the process.
Tuomas Iisalo’s approach
Iisalo finally has much of what he has wanted.
Good screeners? The Grizzlies have Edey and Isaiah Stewart.
More shooting? Memphis added Boozer and Jerami Grant while also expecting internal improvement from Scotty Pippen Jr., Jaylen Wells, Ty Jerome and Cedric Coward.
Now it’s time for the Grizzlies’ coach to fully lean into his principles and figure out how to make this group better.
A healthy roster will give Iisalo a chance to lean further into developing the identity he wants for the Grizzlies.
Training camp should provide the first real glimpse of what that might look like.
Damichael Cole is the Memphis Grizzlies beat writer for The Commercial Appeal. Contact Damichael at damichael.cole@commercialappeal.com. Follow Damichael on X, formerly known as Twitter, @DamichaelC.
This article originally appeared on Memphis Commercial Appeal: Three Memphis Grizzlies training camp storylines ahead of preseason
