The Grizzlies’ 6-10 power forward/center (Marreese Speights) grabbed redemption as if he were snaring a rebound in a lane congested with several big men.

But Speights’ coaches and teammates keep pushing him to not rest on his laurels.

“He’s getting better but he can still get a lot better,” center Marc Gasol said. “He can be more consistent. We’ll just keep helping him and making him work. He has a lot of talent.”

Speights accepts the discipline and seems intent to prove that his new-and-improved work ethic will extend past last season.

“I feel like I’m in better shape than I’ve ever been coming into training camp,” Speights said. “I just worked harder and longer (during the offseason). I feel like I’ve matured that way.”

Forward Rudy Gay agreed.

Speights is no longer battling the lazy label that’s dogged him for most of his four-year NBA career.

via Ronald Tillery of The Commercial Appeal