National Basketball Association

Memphis Grizzlies preseason player updates on Chandler Parsons and more

Published Jun. 30, 2017 6:28 p.m. ET

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With the Memphis Grizzlies’ preseason approaching, our friends at Grizzlies.com checked in on several key players to see what their status is heading into the new season.

Feb 1, 2016; New Orleans, LA, USA; Memphis Grizzlies center Marc Gasol (33) shoots over New Orleans Pelicans forward Anthony Davis (23) during the first quarter at the Smoothie King Center. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports

Marc Gasol

Gasol’s foot is fully healed and he has been fully cleared to resume basketball activities. He is expected to play in the preseason this year and hopefully he can return to elite form after missing this year’s Rio Olympics.

“I feel really good, lots of energy,” Gasol further explained. “Obviously I miss the game a lot. I want to play. I want to compete, and the one thing on my mind is to win, and try to lead this group of guys to the championship. That’s the only thing that I care about, knowing that my body is able to do that, and I’m confident. The doctors and everyone think my body’s going to hold up tremendously – even better than before the injury. That gives me a lot of confidence to do that.”

Gasol also had some comments on new head coach David Fizdale.

“Watching some tape from the system that he’s been on, by talking to him during the summer and seeing the things that he wants me to do obviously, it’s going to present different challenges, and I’m always looking forward to that.

Coach Fizdale has no head coaching experience, but has been a highly praised assistant for many years in the league. He has stated in prior interviews that he came to Memphis in order to contend for a title and that he wanted no part in a re-build, so Gasol and the rest of the Memphis Grizzlies better be ready to compete.

Mike Conley

February 26, 2016; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Memphis Grizzlies guard Mike Conley (11) shoots against Los Angeles Lakers forward Julius Randle (30) during the first half at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports

Like Gasol, Mike Conley has been fully cleared to resume basketball activities.

“Rehab went well. It was very tedious and I had to take baby steps every month, but it got better and better,” Conley said. “Right now I’m at 100 percent. The Achilles is feeling great. I’m just trying to get the body back in shape, I haven’t played in a long time. I’m looking forward to getting back out there with the guys. I think we’re going to obviously monitor all of our guys who have had injuries in the past just to make sure that we’re doing the right things for our bodies going forward for the long season.”

Conley will have to use preseason to play back into shape. Many people deem this the “Golden Age of point guards,” so Conley will have to be at his best for the Memphis Grizzlies to compete, especially when the west features the likes of Stephen Curry, Chris Paul and Russell Westbrook. His shooting could be key for Memphis as they begin to transition away from the classic grit ‘n’ grind under Coach Fizdale.

Chandler Parsons

Mar 6, 2016; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Nuggets guard Gary Harris (14) guards Dallas Mavericks forward Chandler Parsons (25) in the third quarter at the Pepsi Center. The Nuggets defeated the Mavericks 116-114 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports

After inking a max-deal, Chandler Parsons looks to be a big contributor to the Memphis Grizzlies this year. He hasn’t been shy since signing with Memphis with talks of recruiting players, having Twitter Q&A sessions and talking about different celebrities. He gave an update on how recovery from his torn meniscus is coming along.

“It was a big summer for me. I really locked in on my diet this summer. I did the whole blood type diets where you really cut back with no dairy, no alcohol and no gluten for two straight months,” explained Parsons. “I really got lean and my knee has been responding really well to that. There’s no swelling, no pain. I have been progressing every week, doing more and more. Starting off with the bike, then the elliptical, then the pool workouts, and now I’m pretty much on the court, more lifting weights, box jumps, different kinds of agility stuff. I’m building up that strength and getting more comfortable with it.”

It should be noted though that Chandler will most likely still be limited in the preseason. The Memphis Grizzlies’ prize free agent signing will have to start the year by playing himself back into shape.

Brandan Wright

Wight’s recovery from his sprained MCL is going well. He has been cleared to resume basketball activities.

“I’m feeling good and trending upward. I’m looking forward to (training) camp and getting ready to go. I’ll be on the court for training camp. Obviously with any injury, you don’t want to spike too early. We’ll work our way into it, but I’ll be a full go. I’m ready for it and looking forward to it.”

Jarrell Martin

Martin has also been cleared for all basketball activities after doing rehab for his foot.

“Rehab has been going great and my foot feels 100 percent so everything is on track right now. I rehabbed right here in Memphis, staying close to the team and the organization. I’ll be good and ready to be out there come training camp.”

Deyonta Davis

The rookie is still recovering from plantar fasciitis. He will be limited heading into the preseason, but hopefully he recovers quickly as he could make an impact this season.

“I’m feeling great,” Davis said. “I’m taking this process one step at a time, trying to rest my foot and I’m looking forward to a great season.”

Jordan Adams

Adams is not expected to participate in training camp nor preseason after undergoing cartilage transplant surgery in his right knee. There is currently no timetable for his recovery.

“I spent most of my rehab in Birmingham, Alabama at Champion Sports. They’re known for helping professional athletes get better – back faster, quicker, back to 100 percent. So that’s pretty much where I was at this whole summer just rehabbing, it was good.”

The Grizzlies’ first preseason game is Oct. 3 against the Orlando Magic. Make sure to check back here for more news and player updates!

Memphis Grizzlies preseason player updates on Chandler Parsons and more

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