--Rudy Gay, Zach Randolph, Mike Conley, O.J. Mayo and Marc Gasol made up the first team when training camp started on Momday in Birmingham, Ala. Grizzlies coach Lionel Hollins said not to read too much into early lineup combinations, because the players who started last season begin camp in starting roles. Missing is second-year forward Darrell Arthur, who strained a pec muscle lifting weights last week. That's why Randolph is in the lineup. "We'll do it that way until guys prove otherwise," Hollins said. "Every team I've been on has required the new guys to fit in."
--The Grizzlies have mutually agreed to allow G Marko Jaric to not join the team for training camp and the preseason, and have provided permission for Jaric's agent to seek a roster spot with another team.
"With the offseason additions of Allen Iverson, Marcus Williams and Sam Young, our backcourt has become crowded," Grizzlies General Manager and Vice President of Basketball Operations Chris Wallace said. "Therefore, we have agreed with Marko Jaric and his representatives that he is permitted to seek out another situation that will provide him with a better opportunity to play. Marko is a proven NBA player and is deserving of such an opportunity."
--Grizzlies majority owner Michaael Heisley is proud of his off-season deals of getting Zach Randolph and Allen Iverson.
"People said if you've got a chance to get good players, would you? Well, we've got Zach Randolph and Allen Iverson," Heisley said. "I didn't give up one rookie. My guys will play. But Allen is the perfect guy to help these young guys know what it means to win."
QUOTE TO NOTE: "I still hate (training camp). But if you can get through training camp, it makes it easier to get through the season. It's different because I'm the oldest one in here." -- G Allen Iverson, at the team's training camp in Birmingham.
