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GritGrindGrizz: With season at 0-0, now’s the time for unbridled optimism for Grizzlies fans

“Am I supposed to look at you? Or the camera?” asked Grizzlies rookie Jaren Jackson Jr., kicking off a freewheeling and lighthearted interview and media session.

Jackson was responding to one of the first questions hurled at him during Media Day, which officially kicks off NBA Training Camp. The rookie’s playful demeanor — he just turned 19 — instantly had me and other media smiling, even while trying to keep the conversation on topic.

Apparently, Jackson has been watching the Netflix series “Ozark,” and began to spill out spoilers and from there, wandered into a lengthy breakdown of the show with media who watch it also. He’s that kind of goofball, and if he’s as talented as advertised, the Grizzlies may have lightning in a bottle.

That could be said of the entire team, in fact. IF Mike Conley is healthy. IF Chandler Parsons can still play. IF Kyle Anderson can take a leap in a bigger role. IF the team’s new idea of Grit and Grind can really keep up in today’s “run, gun and fun” NBA.

But that’s the beauty of where we are in the season right now: the team is 0-0. If a fan can’t be unreasonably optimistic now, then when?

So, just looking at the summer acquisitions and the relative health of the roster, here’s my random preseason prediction: If healthy, and if the team can leverage its depth and versatility properly, the Grizzlies should have a 41+ win season and make the playoffs.

I’ll get more into the reasoning for that over the course of this week, while I share more clips from Media Day. Today, we start with Jackson. I like including unedited footage, because it gives you the context of how the conversation flowed. And this is just fun. Jackson has a winning personality, a certain bubbliness. Check it out. And check back all week for more!

 

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