After the DM’s Geoff Calkins reported that unrestricted free agents Kyle Anderson and Tyus Jones probably won’t return to the Grizzlies next season, I decided to do a little research on where those players might end up. I found this article by Bleacher Report’s Grant Hughes on players NBA teams need to chase in free agency.
Hughes thinks Kyle Anderson should end up on the team that eliminated Memphis from the playoffs, the Golden State Warriors. He noted Anderson’s high basketball IQ, defensive skills, and ability to play small-ball center as good fits for Golden State. Hughes thinks the Warriors will be able to get Anderson for the taxpayer’s mid-level exception, projected to be around $6 million.
As for Tyus Jones, Hughes believes he could provide a lot of help to the New York Knicks, who can’t rely on Derrick Rose and Kemba Walker to cover point-guard duties all on their own. Hughes projects that the Knicks will give Jones the full mid-level exception, projected around $10 million, about a $2M raise over what he was making in Memphis. I must say I have to disagree a bit about New York being Jones’ destination. He’s good enough to be a starting PG and I think he may seek out a team where he can have that role.
The Daily Memphian polled people on whether BBQ Fest should stay in Liberty Park next year or come back to Tom Lee Park on the river. Tom Lee was the favorite, and that is where Memphis in May president Jim Holt says the festival will be next year. Good! I didn’t go to BBQ Fest at Liberty Park but from the photos I saw, it looked like it was considerably less fun than usual.
Today is Pinot Grigio Day. I’m sure my friend Ashleigh will enjoy a few “Prince Georgios” on a patio somewhere today.
There will be a pop-up vendors’ shop featuring local artists and makers at Ghost River’s location at Main and Crump Saturday.
That’s it for today. Back tomorrow with more news.