Grizzlies owner Robert Pera expects team to win 50-plus games

Ron Tillery | Commercial Appeal

Show Caption Hide Caption Grizzlies minority owners exercise buy-sell option The buy-sell arrangement, which was suggested by former NBA commissioner David Stern, was a safeguard in case Kaplan and/or Straus didn’t like being minority owners with Pera.

Grizzlies controlling owner Robert Pera emerged Tuesday in FedExForum after being disconnected from Memphis for more than a year.

He met with general manager Chris Wallace and other members of the front office as they prepare for the June 21 NBA draft. The Grizzlies own the No. 4 and No. 32 picks.

Pera didn’t address local media and declined numerous requests.

He wasn’t silent, though.

Pera conducted an interview only with the team’s funded and controlled outlet – Grind City Media.

The Grizzlies are coming off a tumultuous 2017-18 season in which they exited with a 22-60 record. However, Pera is optimistic that the franchise can bounce back after having its seven-year playoff run end abruptly.

“Assuming Marc (Gasol) and Mike (Conley) come back healthy, I think we have a couple of surrounding pieces that are younger players that are going to make a positive impact,” Pera told the media outlet he employs. “We’ll get another good player in this draft. I see no reason why we can’t return to being a 50-win plus team.”

NBA draft: Grizzlies' second-round picks have proved to be valuable

Pera blamed last season’s setback on injuries. Conley, the Grizzlies’ starting point guard, appeared in just 12 games and eventually required heel surgery. The Grizzlies’ season was effectively without a playoff bid before Christmas.

“In the NBA there are some things you can control; there are some things you can’t control,” Pera said. “There’s some luck and chance involved, too. This year injuries set us back. … If we’re healthy, I expect us to be very competitive.”

Griz GM Chris Wallace after predraft workout Grizzlies general manager Chris Wallace talks about their latest pre-draft workout focused on the 32nd pick in the NBA draft.

The Grizzlies haven’t come close to returning to the Western Conference finals since 2012-13 when Pera purchased majority ownership of the team. He’s since broken up the core four by jettisoning Zach Randolph and Tony Allen away from Conley and Gasol.

A hyped up free-agent signing of forward Chandler Parsons in 2016 hasn’t worked to the Grizzlies’ benefit. Not only did the Grizzlies waive a physical for Parsons, but the veteran also needed a third surgery in three years during the 2016-17 campaign. He joined the Grizzlies having undergone two surgeries on his right knee. The last operation was on his left knee.

NBA draft: History shows Grizzlies have not always had a good plan

Still, Pera sounds undeterred, especially now that he solidified his stake in the team after winning a buy-sell war with minority owners. In April, Pera decided to retain controlling interest after a buy-sell process with a franchise valuation that exceeds $1.3 billion.

Minority partners Steve Kaplan and Daniel Straus, who each owned roughly 14 percent compared to Pera’s 25, triggered the buy-sell clause last fall. Kaplan and Straus had the right to set a valuation for the team. Pera had to either buy out his partners or sell his shares. Kaplan and Straus reportedly submitted separate bids, with Straus' bid the highest.

“I’d like to put my stamp on the team more now that the ownership situation is resolved,” Pera said. “I’d like to apply some of the skills that made my company, Ubiquiti, successful. I also realize it’s a little bit different. With my company, I can make all the decisions on the long-term (vision). I can be kind of a dictator. With the team, there’s more elements than just the long-term picture. You have to have some transparency with the fans. … How you handle the media and the fans are almost as important as the long-term goals. It took me some time to find my bearings the last several years.”

When asked to elaborate on putting his stamp on the franchise, Pera said: “The goal for the Grizzlies is that people know that if they take a player or find a player, this is best organization in the league for realizing that player’s potential.”

Pera also stressed the importance of continuity, citing that as one reason he approved J.B. Bickerstaff as head coach. Bickerstaff took over as interim coach in November after the Grizzlies fired David Fizdale.

“We’ve had turnover in the head coaching spot and J.B. brings some continuity. The players have worked with him and the players all love him,” Pera said. “He’s very transparent. He carries himself really well. He’ll compromise when he sees it’s best for the organization. I have confidence in him to be that centerpiece of the culture we want to build. He’s a great fit.”

Pera was not asked about Fizdale’s firing, details of the buy-sell process, the Parsons signing, his relationship with Conley and Gasol or the role that Joe Abadi – his corporate attorney – plays with the Grizzlies.

Abadi is widely known to be Pera’s eyes, ears and a hands-on manager overseeing the Grizzlies entire operation.

Much of Pera's interview had to do with his company, travel, movies and food.

Grizzlies hire another assistant coach

Vitaly Potapenko is leaving the Cleveland Cavaliers to join the Grizzlies coaching staff, according to an ESPN report. Potapenko worked in player development for the Cavaliers since 2013.

Myke Henry to attend USA Basketball camp

Grizzlies two-way player Myke Henry has been invited to USA Basketball’s June 20 qualifying training camp for the World Cup. The training will be used to select the 12-man team for the USA’s third window of FIBA World Cup qualifying games, which sees the U.S. face Mexico on June 28 in Mexico City and Cuba on July 1 in Havana.

Henry signed a two-way contract with the Grizzlies on Jan. 13. He appeared in 20 games with the Grizzlies during the 2017-18 season. USA Basketball will hold training camp June 20-26 in Houston. Former NBA coach Jeff Van Gundy is leading the team.