HOOPSAHOLIC

The Memphis Grizzlies ended last season with an epic playoff output. They fought hard as the seventh seed and pushed the second seed Thunder to seven games before ultimately coming up too short. Head coach Dave Joeger will try and improve that playoff push as he enters his second season as head coach. 

The first thing to talk about when discussing the Grizzlies is there big center, Marc Gasol. Last season Gasol averaged 17 points and nearly eight rebounds as the best player on this team. He’s one of the more skilled centers in the league, and he really knows how to get the ball in the basket. He can knock down the mid-range jumper and plays great defense as well. I expect him to make the all-star team once again he could even increase his scoring average.

In game seven of the playoffs last year the Grizzlies had to play without their power-forward Zach Randolph. He was suspended for the game after punching Steven Adams in game six of the series. Z-BO knows how to bang around down low and last season he averaged 18 points and nine rebounds per game. The duo of Randolph and Gasol is one of the better low post tandems this league has, and if the Grizzlies plan on making any type of run, it will go through them. 

Coming out of Ohio State, people were unsure on what type of player Mike Conley would be. Throughout his career he’s become one of the great facilitators in the NBA, averaging 16 point and eight assists last season. He’s the floor general for Memphis and he does a great job getting the ball to his big guys. He truly is the perfect fit at point guard for this Grit, Grind and Grizz Memphis team. 

If you don’t remember how Tony Allen played in the playoffs, just ask KD. Allen was in Durant’s grill the entire series, forcing the leagues MVP to look flustered throughout and getting inside his head. Plain and simple, Allen is one of the fiercest defenders in the NBA, and the Grizzlies know what they’re going to get out of him on any given night. Memphis acquired Vince Carter in the offseason, which should sure up one of the wing positions. Carter of course isn’t what he used to be back in his prime, but he’s still a valuable asset for any NBA team. He brings veteran savvy while still being able to score at a consistent pace. Carter along with Allen and forward Tayshaun Prince should make up a solid wing rotation for Memphis. 

Since the Grizzlies fall victim of playing in a very good Western Conference, I have them just missing out on the playoffs. It was hard to decide where they would finish because they’re loaded with talent, but ultimately I feel that other teams in the West improved more than they did in the offseason. If the Grizzles can stay healthy they will have a chance to prove many others and myself wrong.