The opening games of the ESPN Events Invitational are set. 

A few months after notching the NBA’s second best record, are the Grizzlies poised to take a step back? How will the team replace the injured Jaren Jackson Jr. In this mid-summer Grizzlies Mailbag, answers to those and other questions. 

Veteran catcher batting .213 in his final big-league season.

On the first day Tennessee schools are allowed to practice in full pads, Devin Scates announced he’s leaving. He replaced the previous coach who’d quit three games into the 2021 season. 

No matter what’s going on with conference realignment, Ryan Silverfield’s focus is on the program. 

A former Memphian just won more than half a million dollars at the World Series of Poker. But the best part of his story? He’s alive because of St. Jude. 

In his fifth year at the University of Memphis, Penny Hardaway has assembled his most experienced roster ever. He’s added AAC Player of the Year Kendric Davis. He’s added talented wing players Emmanuel Akot and Keonte Kennedy.

Athletic Director Laird Veatch believes the Tigers are right on the bubble of possible conference realignment, and increasing football ticket sales would help. 

“We always used to go to Topgolf as a team back at VCU,” Memphis Grizzlies rookie Vince Williams Jr. said. “It was really fun. I figured I might as well start to do the real thing.”

Competition takes place at the University of Memphis’ South Campus — and on Beale Street. Beale Street will host the pole vault competition on July 30.

Smyrna High School athlete Arion Carter announced his commitment to Memphis on Wednesday. 

The former star defensive back at Whitehaven will lead his team onto the field for the first time on Aug. 20 when the Golden Wildcats open the 2022 season at home against White Station.

Calvin Austin III has a speed rating of 95 on Madden NFL 23, which is top 10 of all receivers. 

Collierville pitcher Grayson Saunier was taken by the Texas Rangers in the 19th round.

For decades, now, University of Memphis fans have dreamed of making it into a power conference. Is that dream now officially dead? If so, what does the future hold?

At one point earlier this summer, a source said, “It’s on him if he wants to come back.”

Memphis is a long way from home. But, “I’m ready to go. I want to get some minutes and help the team win. That’s really what it’s all about,” Aldama said.

The rebranded Memphis Touchdown Club will open the year on Aug. 1, with Mississippi State coach Mike Leach headlining the program. 

Kenny Lofton Jr. tried to carry them to the finish, but the Grizzlies lost a tight game to the Spurs in their summer league closer.

Around 75 women participated in the clinic to tour the facility and learn more about the football program, players and coaches.

Eastern Conference front-runners will go head-to-head Saturday at AutoZone Park. Tickets are on sale for as low as $3. And Memphis-based rapper Al Kapone will conduct the ceremonial pregame guitar smash.

Here’s an evaluation of their strengths and weaknesses and what they might be able to contribute to the rotation and bench.

No, the Grizzlies’ undrafted signee is not the son of the major league baseball player. Junior’s dad works at an oil refinery in Texas, and he is his son’s biggest role model. 

Memphis nearly had the chance to play for their second summer league title in three seasons, but a loss to the Boston Celtics on Thursday finally put them out of reach. 

The Grizzlies came up short against the Boston Celtics, dashing their chances at playing for the summer league championship.