Jake LaRavia among early Memphis Grizzlies training camp standouts, other observations

NASHVILLE — A common theme after Thursday’s final preseason practice at Ensworth High School for the Memphis Grizzlies was the difference in the intensity.

That's not to say previous years haven’t been intense, but an incomplete feeling combined with a thirst for success is rampant among the Grizzlies after a subpar finish last season.

Memphis spent most of the time here implementing a new offense, focusing on transition defense and offensive pace.

Outside of Jaren Jackson’s Jr. hamstring injury, the Grizzlies will head back to Memphis without losing any more players. For the most part, the mission was accomplished.

“I think it’s been a great three days,” coach Taylor Jenkins said. “Comparing today to day one, a lot of progress was made. We’ve been trying to keep it real simple from the start.”

Here’s what else stood out at training camp.

Jake LaRavia makes his push

Marcus Smart quickly said Jake LaRavia’s name on Monday when asked which healthy player off the bench could be an impactful perimeter defender. The vote of confidence kept coming for the third-year forward. Luke Kennard is among those who have noticed LaRavia during preseason practices.

“He’s shooting the ball really well,” Kennard said. “He’s being real aggressive on the offensive end and defensive end.”

“Defense is a big key for this team, and (LaRavia) wants to show he can play defense and guard other team’s really good players," he added. "I think he took initiative in doing that this camp.”

This is an important stretch for LaRavia. Vince Williams Jr. and GG Jackson will both be out beyond the start of the season because of injuries. LaRavia, John Konchar and Jaylen Wells are among the players vying for a backup wing rotation spot.

So far, LaRavia is making his presence felt.

“He was definitely one of the standouts in training camp,” Jenkins said. “… Everything we’re asking, he’s doing it.”

Strictly business

The days of the trash talking Grizzlies are pretty much gone.

Thats not what anyone has exactly said, but you get that feeling when seeing the players go about their work. There hasn’t been much talk in terms of guarantees or calling out opponents. Memphis seems OK with earning its way up the hierarchy.

“I think we’ve come in, we’ve said what we said and now we got to prove it night after night,” Jenkins said. “… Seeing the urgency from the guys that have been with me the last five years, I think there’s a rejuvenated focus.”

What’s next

Home sweet home. The Grizzlies will head back to Memphis and prepare for their first preseason game on Oct. 7 in Dallas against the Mavericks.

Memphis will host its annual open practice for fans on Sunday at noon inside FedExForum.

“I thought the intentionality of everyone’s sacrifice … to be away from your home, your bed and your loved ones, I thought this was a great opportunity to bring this group even closer together,” Jenkins said.

Damichael Cole is the Memphis Grizzlies beat writer for The Commercial Appeal. Contact Damichael at damichael.cole@commercialappeal.com . Follow Damichael on X, formerly known as Twitter, @DamichaelC.

This article originally appeared on Memphis Commercial Appeal: Jake LaRavia among early Memphis Grizzlies training camp standouts, other observations