Roberts fills key need for Grizzlies - Roster outlook

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Roberts fills key need for Grizzlies

By Ian R. Rapoport
irapopor@clarionledger.com

The Memphis Grizzlies hope former Mississippi State forward Lawrence Roberts dunks on opponents like he did against the SEC.

Being selected in the second round of the NBA draft doesn't guarantee a player money, a contract or a roster spot.

Just a chance.

But when the Memphis Grizzlies begin talking about former Mississippi State forward Lawrence Roberts, they don't appear to be discussing some second-rounder from Tuesday's draft who will just receive a shot. And their actions speak just as loud as their gushing words.

After the Seattle SuperSonics chose Roberts with the 55th pick, the Grizzlies traded two future second-round picks and some cash to acquire him. The 6-foot-9, 240-pound All-American joins first-round pick Hakim Warrick of Syracuse as Memphis' only selections.

"We paid a pretty good price to get him, because that's what we thought of him," Grizzlies president Jerry West said Wednesday at a news conference to introduce Roberts and Warrick. "We were shocked that he was still available when he was in the draft. He's going to have an opportunity with us."



Roberts

West went on to discuss how his team was 30th in the NBA in rebounding last season, how it had a need in that area and how well Roberts — the SEC's leading rebounder — figures to fit in.

Roberts heads to camp beginning July 4, then to Los Angeles to play in an NBA summer league for three weeks. Meanwhile, his agent Eric Fleisher said he will begin negotiating his contract.

"He ended up with the team he wanted to go to," Fleisher said. "This is going to end up being a blessing for him."

The praise for Roberts from Memphis was evident prior to the draft. Memphis was the only team that brought Roberts in for two workouts. Director of Scouting Tony Barone Jr. had spoken glowingly about him. All that from a team that didn't have a second-round pick. But when the trade for him was made, it lent more evidence to the suggestion that the team sees Roberts in its future plans.

"I think it's clear, based on the commitment they made, how they feel about him," said Fleisher. "At that position, to make the trade that they did, obviously, they felt very strongly about him."

Roberts concluded a two-year career at MSU that included being named SEC player of the year and a two-time All-SEC first-teamer by averaging 16.9 points and 11 rebounds as a senior. But because various teams questioned his height and his arm length, some wondered if he would be drafted at all.

Based on the workouts they conducted, the Grizzlies had their own facts.

"We had him working out here with people that were selected in the first round," West said, "but I would defy you to tell me any of them were better than him."

Over two workouts, the drafted power forwards Roberts shared the floor with were: North Carolina's Sean May (No. 13 pick), Kansas' Wayne Simien (No. 29), and Providence's Ryan Gomes (No. 50).

Roberts wasn't even watching the draft when the Grizzlies made the trade. His father called him and told him. Immediately, Roberts said he was excited because he'd loved Memphis when he visited the organization and because the opportunity appears to be there for him.

Then, sporting a No. 44 Grizzlies jersey instead of the No. 4 he wore at State, Roberts made a pledge to those attending Wednesday's news conference.

"The only thing I can guarantee is that you'll never have to question if I'm working hard or going out and giving it my all," he said.

Lawrence Roberts: What awaits him in Memphis

The Clarion-Ledger

Roberts joins a team loaded with players his size but still in need of what he brings to the table: Rebounding. Memphis made the playoffs last year but ranked last in team rebounding.