Grizzlies betting vagabond guard Acie Law can lead reserves

With a one-year, partially guaranteed contract from his fifth team in less than four NBA seasons, Grizzlies point guard Acie Law uses an economy of words to describe his situation.

"I want to get my career going," Law said.

Three years after becoming a lottery pick and having twice been reduced to nothing more than salary filler in trades, the 6-3 former Texas A&M standout hopes Memphis is the one.

The Griz, too, are filled with the same optimism.

So far, there's little doubt on either side.

Law, 25, has looked like the consummate backup to starter Mike Conley through three preseason games.

Law understands his role as a reserve -- something former Grizzlies' Kyle Lowry and Allen Iverson resisted. Law is stabilizing the second unit with leadership and poise -- something last season's understudies Marcus Williams and Jamal Tinsley mostly seemed incapable of doing.

"I feel like I can help this team," Law said.

"I see a kid who has been around the league and doesn't seem to have been given a real good look," Hollins said. "He's just been thrown in deals and nobody has taken a look at him to see if he can play or not. That happens sometimes. Hopefully, he's found a home and he'll be that backup point guard that solidifies the second unit. We're hoping it works out. If it doesn't then at least he would have had an opportunity."

"Acie Law just has to play with confidence," Griz assistant coach Damon Stoudamire said. "Sometimes when you're a high draft pick and bounce around you start to question yourself. But you've got to play with confidence at all times.

"I had success early in my career but I told (Hollins) that I wish I'd played for someone like him in the beginning. This is really a point guard offense. (Coach Hollins) lets you play. He let's you make mistakes and bounce back. A lot of coaches don't do that."

With less than a minute left in the fourth quarter at Atlanta, Law looked to the bench for instructions as he dribbled past half court. Hollins shrugged and waved at Law as if to say, "It's your show. Run the team."