Commercial Appeal Grizzlies coach Mike Fratello insists he hasn't committed to a rotation just yet. So toss out of your mind those lineups from the team's open practice last Saturday, Fratello says. It's too soon to know just how the revamped Grizzlies will come together. The preseason games are necessary for the process. But a starting unit of Damon Stoudamire, Eddie Jones, Pau Gasol, Lorenzen Wright and Mike Miller seems reasonable and likely. That group, with Shane Battier standing in for an injured Miller, performed well over the weekend. Fratello, though, said the exhibition games will help him sort out the depth. "We'll use the preseason to figure out our rotation and combinations," Fratello said. "We'll see who is supposed to run with which group." The Griz begin their eight-game preseason schedule Wednesday with the Chicago Bulls visiting FedExForum. After playing the Miami Heat at San Juan, Puerto Rico, on Friday, the Griz return home Saturday for a meeting with the Washington Wizards. Following two seasons of fielding essentially the same roster, the Griz are dealing with change but not much mystery. "We've practiced a lot with that lineup," Gasol said about the "white" team that featured him and others who have started throughout their careers. "But who starts is the coach's decision. We can't worry about that. Everybody has to just play whatever role is asked of them." The Grizzlies' backup plan is something to keep an eye on. Who emerges as a key reserve on the front line remains as intriguing as that battle for the third-string point guard role. Will free agent John Thomas's play overpower returnee Jake Tsakalidis in the middle? Is it Antonio Burks's job to lose? Or will Anthony Roberson make the decision difficult? Fratello isn't tipping his hand on which players have an early advantage. "It's a different team," Fratello said. "We have a different cast of characters. We still have to see how they all fit." Source
