Josh Lemons

The Jackson Sun

The Memphis Grizzlies begin training camp next week looking to make the postseason for the fifth straight year with some fresh new faces on this year's roster.

With Ed Davis, James Johnson and, most notably, Mike Miller all signing with other clubs, the Grizzlies had to retool in the offseason.

Jon Leuer, who was in Jackson Wednesday teaching a skills clinic at the LIFT Wellness Center, said he looks to have an increased role this season. A forward/center who played college basketball at Wisconsin, Leuer averaged 13.1 minutes per game last year. His 6.2 points were his most in his four years in the NBA.

"[I'm] just trying to fine tune all the aspects of my game," Leuer said. "I feel like I can come in and stretch the floor with my shooting and just provide energy.

"I've just tried to get a little bit stronger this offseason. I feel like I can come in and contribute whatever my role is and help this team."

This offseason, the Grizzlies acquired a veteran in Vince Carter from the Dallas Mavericks, resigned Zach Randolph through 2017 and most recently reached an agreement with Michael Beasley, who played with the Miami Heat last season.

Leuer said hopefully Carter will fill the hole left by the 13-year veteran Miller's departure not only on the court but also as a veteran himself in the league.

"I've been around him now for a couple of weeks and you can just tell he's a great veteran presence for us," Leuer said. "He can really shoot the ball, stretch the floor [and] give us what Mike Miller did last year hopefully.

"He's a playmaker, too. He's going to help us out a lot."

Leuer said he liked being a part of the Grizzlies caravan that has made stops in Little Rock, Ark. and St. Louis last week before stopping in Jackson Wednesday.

"We know there's support all across this region for us, and the more we can get out and reach those fans that maybe can't make it to games is important to us for sure," Leuer said.

Josh Lemons, 425-9636