|
|
|
Sunday, June 24, 2001
League expected to approave move this week
Associated Press
|
MEMPHIS, Tenn. -- The NBA has yet to approve the move, but
the Vancouver Grizzlies already are making themselves at home in
Memphis.
"We're confident things are going to work out," coach Sidney
Lowe said Sunday as he held a workout for draft candidates.
The Grizzlies started moving their basketball operations to
Memphis on Saturday.
The NBA this week is expected to announce its decision on the
Grizzlies' relocation request. If approved, the team's business
office will begin its move.
The Grizzlies announced their desire to move to Memphis in
March. Much of the financial plan for a $250 million arena has been
worked out, with the taxpayers paying most of the cost through
sales tax rebates and government-backed bonds.
The Pyramid, a 10-year-old stadium, would be the Grizzlies' home
for two to three years.
The NBA draft is Wednesday and the Grizzlies will have their
headquarters at The Peabody Hotel, a Memphis landmark blocks from
where the new arena most likely will be built.
Lowe said the move to Memphis may make it easier for the team to
attract free agents.
"We had situations in Vancouver when guys didn't want to go
there to play. It was too far away," Lowe said. "Here, I don't
think we'll run into those problems."
Lowe, team president Dick Versace, general manager Billy Knight
and their assistants arrived Saturday night.
Players Brent Price and Bryant Reeves also were in Memphis.
Smith attended a basketball camp for youngsters Saturday, and
Reeves helped escort a group of ducks into The Peabody lobby.
The hotel is known for the ducks that frolic in the elaborate
lobby fountain. Each day, they are marched into and out of the
lobby with great fanfare.
|
|
|
|
