Chris Dodson

New Orleans

Freelance Writer at Freelance

NBA Media/Scout Words for hire, Will travel -Bylines: @clutchpoints @ForbesSports @SInow @BleacherReport @MusicMoviesHoop @SportsBizClass @basketbllnews

Articles

Sources: Ja Morant's Grizzlies linked to trades for All-Star big men

2 weeks ago | clutchpoints.com | Chris Dodson |Nish Patel

After a first-round playoff sweep by the Oklahoma City Thunder, the Memphis Grizzlies face a bombshell-filled offseason with Ja Morant and Jaren Jackson Jr. in place as All-Star cornerstones. EVP Zach Kleiman must seize the opportunity to transform the team into a championship contender by trading for a bit more help, even if it means parting ways with Desmond Bane ($36.7m). This much is known throughout the NBA world. It's as much an open secret as Kevin Durant (Phoenix Suns) being available.
Bombshell moves Grizzlies must make to become a contender with Ja Morant

2 weeks ago | clutchpoints.com | Chris Dodson |Nish Patel

As Ja Morant's Memphis Grizzlies regroup from a first-round playoff sweep at the hands of Shai Gilgeous-Alexander's near-perfect Oklahoma City Thunder, EVP Zach Kleiman faces a pivotal offseason to elevate the franchise from perennial playoff hopeful to bona fide championship contender. With a young core led by Morant and Jaren Jackson Jr., the offseason roster-building challenge is clear: Dream bigger. Firing Taylor Jenkins was just the first step.
Exclusive: How Kenrich Williams’ journey helped shape Thunder winning culture

2 weeks ago | yardbarker.com | Chris Dodson

Reflecting on this role player reality, Kenrich Williams remained grounded and appreciative while praising the behind-the-scenes work fueling the team’s success, particularly as they navigate the NBA Playoffs bracket. “The work that we put in behind the scenes, the amount of film we watch, what the coaches do to help us prepare for games and (NBA Playoffs) series, those things go unnoticed,” explained Williams.
Exclusive: How Kenrich Williams' journey helped shape Thunder winning culture

2 weeks ago | clutchpoints.com | Chris Dodson |Nish Patel

The Oklahoma City Thunder are getting cute on social media and getting compliments from the Memphis Grizzlies while waiting for a second-round NBA Playoffs opponent. Down time is not dead time, though, not for Mark Daigneault's ‘imperfect' Thunder. Everything around the organization is focused on building a championship culture and letting everyone feel they have equity in the outcomes.
Exclusive: Cason Wallace makes media ‘demand’ as Thunder embark on NBA Finals push

2 weeks ago | yardbarker.com | Chris Dodson

The Thunder’s locker room culture, built on mutual support, has been a cornerstone of their success. Wallace, the 10th overall pick in the 2023 NBA Draft, praised the team’s selflessness more than once. “I love that everybody celebrates each other and not just themselves,” shared Wallace. “It’s not just about you but everybody. Everybody wants to see everyone else do good.
Exclusive: Cason Wallace makes media 'demand' as Thunder embark on NBA Finals push

2 weeks ago | clutchpoints.com | Chris Dodson |Nish Patel

As the ‘imperfect' Oklahoma City Thunder charge through the NBA Playoffs, a collective hunger and unselfish play have become defining traits of the Shai Gilgeous-Alexander-led squad. Second-year guard Cason Wallace is another new addition that embodies Oklahoma City's underdog spirit and camaraderie, which propelled them to a rather straightforward series sweep of Ja Morant's Memphis Grizzlies.
How Grizzlies Zach Edey, Scotty Pippen Jr. can ‘reach ceiling’ after NBA Playoffs run

2 weeks ago | yardbarker.com | Chris Dodson

Despite his helpful contributions, Edey remained self-critical about his playoff performance. The rookie also learned why Iisalo needed him inching up the court. “Just try to help my guys on the full-court pressure when (the defense) is picking up,” Edey replied. “Give them easier releases.”As for an assessment of how he played during the NBA Playoffs. “I could have been better,” Edey stated.
What Jaren Jackson Jr., Grizzlies had to admit after ugly Thunder sweep

2 weeks ago | yardbarker.com | Chris Dodson

Scotty Pippen Jr. provided the Grizzlies a spark off the bench, but finished the series with 14 turnovers to 14 assists. Prioritizing 48 minutes of focus on cleaning up the sloppy play is step one to championship contention, the Hall of Famer’s son told ClutchPoints. “Obviously, they are a good team,” Pippen Jr replied. “You’ve got to be perfect playing against them. You can’t just have a 20-point lead and chill.
What Jaren Jackson Jr., Grizzlies had to admit after ugly Thunder sweep

2 weeks ago | clutchpoints.com | Chris Dodson |Nish Patel

The Memphis Grizzlies entered the NBA Playoffs with hopes of making noise as a young, hungry team. Instead, Jaren Jackson Jr. was among many handed a harsh reality check by Shai Gilgeous-Alexander's top-seeded Oklahoma City Thunder, who completed a first-round sweep with a dominant performance that left EVP Zach Kleiman searching for answers.
How Grizzlies Zach Edey, Scotty Pippen Jr. can 'reach ceiling' after NBA Playoffs run

2 weeks ago | clutchpoints.com | Chris Dodson |Nish Patel

The Memphis Grizzlies are dealing with Ja Morant rumors already but there is reason for optimism after being swept by Shai Gilgeous-Alexander's top-seeded Oklahoma City Thunder. A budding chemistry between rookie center Zach Edey and guard Scotty Pippen Jr. offers a foundation for the future. If nothing else was learned by the Grizzlies, Executive Vice President of Basketball Operations Zach Kleiman has a promising supporting cast to build around as the team eyes a deeper postseason run next year.