
Hakim Warrick has plenty of motivation this season.
One, the four-year veteran wants to win the starting power forward job. Second, he wants a contract extension. "Coach (Marc Iavaroni) knows I can score, so I have to go out there and show I can rebound," Warrick said. "Rebounding is something I want to focus on in training camp. I want to show him I can defend and rebound consistently."
Iavaroni hadn't been a fan of Warrick until Warrick started working harder on the defensive end. That came after the Grizzlies traded Pau Gasol to the Lakers last season.
"Hakim has learned in the past that you have to really bring it, and you have to bring it with effort," Iavaroni said. "You have to start with defense. He's been really active not only defensively, but on the glass."
Warrick will earn more than $2.1 million this season. Oct. 31 is the deadline for consummating a contract extension. The parties will then have between the end of the NBA Finals and June 30 to work on a deal.
"I can see why they want to wait and see which direction they want to go," Warrick said of not yet being offered an extension. "I'll be patient. I'll go out there and have a great season. I think I can add some value."