Grizzlies shootaround: Keyon Dooling making quick adjustments as late-season addition

Five games to go in the 82-game regular season, and you can't blame the majority of the playoff-bound Grizzlies for being physically and mentally spent.

But then there's Keyon Dooling, a 12-year veteran guard who just joined the Grizzlies last Wednesday after sitting out almost all season dealing with personal problems outlined in beat reporter Ron Tillery's recent story.

Dooling, other than trying to get into game shape, is fresh and ready to roll. When Jerryd Bayless sat out Sunday's victory at Sacramento due to injury, Dooling looked like a natural as Mike Conley's backup at point guard.

He played 11 minutes, contributing 4 points and 2 assists. You can play any position but point guard and get away with not knowing a play or two, but there's no margin of error at the point.

That's why Dooling's flawless performance was a pleasant surprise.

"I've been around the league a long time, and I know most teams' offensive and defensive schemes," said Dooling, who'll make his FedExForum debut Tuesday night against Charlotte. "I do a lot of film study. We haven't had a lot of practice time, so I haven't had a chance to run through a lot of plays. So (gameday) shootarounds are very important for me, to run through the plays and to get to know them."

Dooling, who retired last Sept. 20 from the Boston Celtics, joined the Celtics as player development coordinator while he dealt with his problems.

"It was tough watching games, especially after I got help for my issues, I got well and I started working out," Dooling said. "It was torture. But at the same time, I took a lot of pride in my job and I got a lot of experience doing something I want to do when I'm finished playing. But there's not a better thrill than the actual games."

At the same time, he thought it was risky signing with team just a couple of weeks from starting a first-round playoff series. Dooling has been in four playoffs, once with Miami, twice with Orlando and last season with the Celtics.

"Guys are further along physically," Dooling said. "I trained all year -- mildly but not NBA shape -- but I shot twice a week. I stayed in the weight room.

"I don't feel like myself yet. I can't pick up fullcourt pressure yet, and that's something I can add to the team as I get in better shape. Right now, I just want to focus on not turning the ball over, being solid on the both ends of the floor. I think my legs will come on my shot. I'm not afraid to shoot, I've been a good shooter throughout my career."

Conley said he's glad to have someone in board as experienced as Dooling.

"Keyon is a true professional," Conley said. "He came in from day one giving advice and taking a leadership role. That's exactly what we needed, a guy who comes in who can pick up on things quickly, who works hard, plays hard and who's all about the team."

Griz coach Lionel Hollins said having a seasoned vet as a late-season addition is a bonus.

"Veterans understand their roles and accept them quicker and better," Hollins said. "He (Dooling) picked up a lot of things sitting and he's asked our coaches a lot of questions. He's gone out and implemented what he learned sitting."