Smaller 'Big Jake' could help Tsakalidis prepared to play for Cavs, but pleased to learn with Griz, Brown By Ron Tillery Contact October 11, 2004 The Grizzlies collectively stepped onto the main court at FedExForum for the first time. They gave the fans a sneak peek, conducting an open practice Sunday in the new $250 million downtown arena. Center Jake Tsakalidis figured he wouldn't be here to join them. Tsakalidis had reason to believe his Grizzly career ended when he signed an offer sheet with the Cleveland Cavaliers last month. There were no hard feelings in his mind. Just a conversation Tsakalidis recalled from the end of last season. Understanding a professional athlete's desire to play, Griz president Jerry West apparently told Tsakalidis how much he admired his work ethic, and then gave the 7-foot restricted free agent the impression that he would be free to leave if another team came along. But a funny thing happened on West's shopping spree for another center. He returned home empty handed. Tsakalidis now finds humor and fate in the story of how he managed to make it back to Memphis. "When Cleveland came along, it was a tough decision and (West) changed his mind," Tsakalidis said with a laugh. "But I'm glad I'm here. I can learn more from Hubie (Brown, the Grizzlies' head coach). I'm looking forward to just working and making myself better." Cleveland, though, offered more than just three years and nearly $9 million. The Cavaliers presented Tsakalidis with an opportunity to play consistent reserve minutes. Now, 'Big Jake' is hoping the Grizzlies will match more than the money. Last season, Tsakalidis saw limited action behind Lorenzen Wright and Stromile Swift. "Yes," Tsakalidis said through his heavy Russian accent, "I expect to play. But you never know. I feel like I can play. I feel more comfortable in the system. I know what I have to do." Tsakalidis, by most accounts, is off to a good start. He immediately overcame an ankle injury that threatened to hold him back throughout training camp. That, plus Tsakalidis reporting at 282 pounds impressed Brown. "He's doing well," Brown said. "If you've noticed, he's lost a lot of weight. He's not as bulky. He's not lifting as much. He looks much better and he's shooting the ball really well. He's a tough kid." Tsakalidis hired a personal trainer and lost 15 pounds while working out in Phoenix during the summer. He joked about wanting to become quicker. The main reason Tsakalidis needed to trim the fat is because mobility is a requirement in Brown's system. Even a leaner Tsakalidis is still the Grizzlies' biggest and most physical option at center. And that's something West didn't take lightly. "We have no size," West said at the time he matched Cleveland's offer for Tsakalidis. "I'd say that Jake helped us in a bunch of games last year. To me, it was a no-brainer." Tsakalidis averaged 4.3 points and 3.2 rebounds in 13.3 minutes last season. He appeared in just 40 games after the Grizzlies acquired him from the Suns during training camp last season. The Grizzlies were a team that finished second in the league in blocks but languished near the statistical basement in defensive rebounding. Making a difference in those areas may be the best way for Tsakalidis to see more of the court in Memphis. "I believe we'll have a more difficult season this season," Tsakalidis said. "People know what to expect from us. I also believe I can help." --

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