Greivis Vasquez already is proving to the Memphis Grizzlies that their newest draft pick knows how to make all the right moves.
During the 2009 NCAA tournament, Vasquez criticized the conference that the University of Memphis men’s basketball team played in. The Tigers beat his Maryland Terrapins 89-70 to reach the regional semifinals, and the Maryland guard was reminded of those comments Friday after being introduced as the Grizzlies’ 28th pick overall.
“That was obviously a mistake,” Vasquez said to laughs. “I’m responsible. I don’t think I would do that again. … I will go to the games and support. I don’t want the fans to be mad. I couldn’t even imagine … If I’d known I was coming to Memphis, I would’ve never said that so it’s a learning process. That’s how I take it.
“I love the Tigers now, love them.”
The Grizzlies introduced their two first-round picks Friday with Xavier Henry of Kansas at No. 12 overall and Vasquez, the first Venezuelan ever drafted by the NBA. Memphis traded away the 25th pick Thursday night, sending Dominique James of South Florida to Dallas for an expected $3 million cash.
It’s a deal already being criticized locally as a sign of a cheap franchise. General manager Chris Wallace defended the move Friday after declining to comment when asked about it during the draft. He said Memphis’ payroll will go up dramatically this season, possibly increasing as much as $15 million.
“We had three rookies from last year, we got two we’re very happy with now, so we took that opportunity to sell that pick and put that money toward potentially free agency. There’s been a lot of picks selling … and buying the last couple years. It’s not an uncommon occurrence,” Wallace said.
“We’re not the first team to do that.”
Wallace said that money will help as the team tries to keep Rudy Gay, the team’s second-leading scorer with 19.6 points per game. The Grizzlies also would like to retain restricted free agent Ronnie Brewer, even though he played in only five games after they traded for him because of a strained hamstring.
But Friday the Grizzlies celebrated their two newest players, introducing them at a news conference in the lobby at FedExForum open to the public for good-size crowd on a very hot day in Memphis. They faced a busy day first visiting the team’s summer basketball camp and capped by throwing out the first pitch at the Redbirds’ baseball game.
The best way they can stimulate interest and sell more tickets is by winning more games.
Memphis finished 10th in the Western Conference and went into this offseason needing to add size and production off a bench that was last in the NBA in points production this season. The Grizzlies also were the league’s worst 3-point shooting team in both attempts (1020) and made 3s (344), finishing 26th with a 33.7 percentage shooting from beyond the arc.
Henry was a Big 12 all-freshman, and he hit 41.8 percent from 3-point range. Just 19, he was Kansas’ second-best scorer averaging 13.4 points a game. He also brings size at 6-foot-6 and 210 pounds. His best scoring game featured 31 points against LaSalle on Dec. 12.
He said he embraced his role at Kansas and won’t have a problem coming off the bench. He’s versatile enough to play shooting guard or small forward, ideally giving O.J. Mayo and Gay time to rest.
“If I keep working hard and do the best I can on the court, I’ll get my opportunity,” Henry said as his mother, Barbara, watched.
The 6-6 Vasquez was the Bob Cousy award winner as the nation’s top guard over John Wall, the Kentucky guard who went No. 1 overall, his Wildcats’ teammate Eric Bledsoe (No. 18) and Avery Bradley of Texas (No. 19).
He also is the only player in the history of the Atlantic Coast Conference to score at least 2,000 points (2,171), dish out 772 assists and grab at least 600 rebounds (647) in a career. The ACC player of the year is coming off a senior season in which he averaged 19.6 points, 4.6 rebounds and his 6.3 assists ranked fifth in the NCAA.
And the guy who actually played four college seasons has plenty of international experience. He played for the Venezulean national team in 2007 and 2009. He can play both guard spots but will push Mike Conley for playing time.
Coach Lionel Hollins insisted he was happy getting two players from winning programs and fit what Memphis needs.
“We’re trying to add people that enhance our team in every fashion, not just limited in one area. I know Xavier can shoot the ball. I know G can shoot the ball, but they bring a whole lot more than just that isolated talent, and that’s what put them high on the list,” Hollins said.
