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More from O’Connor here: https://sports.yahoo.com/author/kevin-oconnor/

NBA sources confirm that Brandon Clarke’s contract was completely protected for death. The $12.5M is expected to be paid in full through life insurance.

An erroneous report said that the Clarke estate will not be paid out his $12.5M following his death in May. But the deal was negotiated for the Memphis Grizzlies to reimburse for life insurance to protect against the possibility of death, which is a customary approach to player contracts across the NBA. It provides the most beneficial protection for a player that can be negotiated in an NBA contract, since it provides tax advantages to the player.

Grizz Next Gen is obviously done and there was a lot of conversation about what to call this next era at the beginning of the offseason with no real consensus. I think the majority of people are going with “Grit and Grind 2,” but I think that sucks for 2 reasons in particular.

1. We’re starting a new era. We want this team to have a unique identity not tied up in the past, right?
2. Stylistically, it doesn’t fit. We all want to welcome some grit back into the team. We long to see the heart and hustle that we grew up with. But, the grind it out, slow-paced aspect that era had wouldn’t work now. That’s also not how this team works, we want to get out and run, push the pace. In this era, grit? Absolutely. Grind? Not so much.

My naming: Bump and Run Grizzlies

Where does “bump and run” come from? In racing, this (frowned upon) maneuver is when 2 cars are close, one in front of the other. The driver behind rides along bumper-to-bumper into the corner, braking after the car in front. The contact pushes the leading car to wash up the track, giving the trailing car the inside line and the momentum to pass and run away.

In basketball, play physical, gritty defense, create turnovers, and take off in transition. That’s exactly what this team is trying to do.

I know everyone’s not going to agree with this, but I refuse to accept that “Grit and Grind 2” is better

I mostly mean with SPJ. I feel like his role could be muddied by Clayton Jr, Cam Spencer, and Jevon Small. I’ve been worried that he could be the odd man out because his contract is extremely tradable for cap-strapped contending teams that need PG depth.

However, he’s here in Vegas, sitting with Grant and Stew watching the younger guys. He also interviewed for the broadcast. Would be pretty confusing is the org turned around and traded him. Is it fair to assume he’ll be here at the start of the season?

Booze Cruise is leaving port 🛳️🍾🎊

I have completely sold myself on this pick at this point, despite thinking we won’t end up picking at 16 after trading up. Maybe we can trade back in at the early 20s and still get him.

This guy led Texas in points, rebounds, assists, and steals, while shooting 54% from the field and having the highest defensive upside of any wing projected in the first round. I know the shot looks bad, but I really don’t understand why he isn’t higher in mocks and consensus big boards