--Getting the No. 2 draft slot gave the Grizzlies a bump at the box office, more than each of the past two years on the day following the draft lottery.
"I wouldn't say we've got thousands of calls," said Dennis O'Connor, the team's vice president of ticket sales and service. "But we've sold some and we've renewed some seats. (Tuesday) night definitely added to the hope. People are starting to believe in the Grizzlies again. People believe we're going to get a game-changing player. It was a lot easier to come to work, knowing that we moved up in the lottery. Spirits are high with our fans and within the organization." --Season-ticket renewals are up 15 percent from last year, and the Grizzlies had a unique ticket selling promotion tied to the lottery. The team's Pick N' Pay Promotion required a potential Grizzlies customer need only to place a $45 deposit toward a season ticket to take advantage of the sales drive, which tied season-ticket prices to the team's lottery position. The promotion sold out of its limited tickets, which were fewer than 500 seats.
The Grizzlies' second-place finish in the lottery drawing meant fans that placed deposits will pay just $2 per game, or $90 for a season-ticket package. The Pick N' Pay promotion was for select and limited Terrace Level 3 seats in section 218.
--One of the players who worked out for the Grizzlies trying to at least get a spot on their summer league team was former University of Memphis point guard Darius Washington. The 6-2 combo guard has never earned a guaranteed NBA contract since trying to make it as an undrafted player since 2006.
Washington last played in Russia and in Greece. Last fall, he spent time in the Chicago Bulls' training camp before being cut. He tried out for the Milwaukee Bucks, who employed Hollins as an assistant coach, last summer during the Las Vegas Summer league. The closest he came to NBA success was with the Spurs in 2007-08.
"I found my niche with the Spurs for a minute," said Washington, who played in 18 games with the Spurs while bouncing between San Antonio and the Spurs' NBA Developmental League affiliate in Austin. "But I think I can fit in here (in Memphis).
"I know what Memphis fans want. They want players with heart. Not that (the Grizzlies) don't have it. (Memphians) just want people that's going to fight for the city. I played for the Tigers and fought for the city. I can do it again on the professional level. You just have to see where you fit in and give the team what it needs."
QUOTE TO NOTE: "It's looking a lot better. I think people are excited about where we are and where we can go with this pick. We've got two first-round picks this year and two next year. And you're sitting there with two guys who made the All-Rookie team. All I'm doing is working the plan." -- Grizzlies owner Michael Heisley on getting the No. 2 pick.
