OKC Thunder TIP3 queries site expert from Beale Street Bears

TI Q2- Commitment to new culture, but stylistically still looks like same old system

Expanding upon question one; since Fizdale was released the Grizzlies have continued to lose going 1-5 in their past six games. Conley is still sidelined. Memphis have the 30th ranked pace (96.13) in the NBA. Their offense is sputtering ranking 22nd.  Furthermore, in this era of perimeter supremacy the Grizzlies rank 27th in three point efficiency, 19th in attempts (27.0) and 22nd in makes (9.2) per game.  Moreover, the defense which was part and parcel of the team’s core identity is languishing in the middle of the pack (ranked 16th).

Which leads me to the next query.  Do the Memphis Grizzlies as currently constructed have the personal to make the change they publicly committed to? Who (if any) of the youthful players on the current squad do you believe are part of the future core? Plus  are Mike Conley and Marc Gasol still the blue chip properties of the team or would the Grizzlies be willing to forfeit these two to move toward the up tempo modern day style they say they desire to play?

Fleming opines on Grizzlies culture, future core and safety of Conley/Gasol:

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They have the personnel to commit to an up-tempo game, but Marc Gasol slows the whole thing down. Tyreke Evans has thrived as the go-to scorer. Chandler Parsons looks rejuvenated, even in an up-tempo style. However, it looks like the change of game style isn’t really working.

No one knows how long Gasol or Conley will remain in Memphis. It’s a risky situation since the future of this team looks pretty scary (not the good kind either).

Dillon Brooks and Deyonta Davis have flourished as surprise pieces, but those are two players who compliment a future core. Similar to guys like Tristan Thompson and Danny Green. Ivan Rabb is still in the G-League but could turn into a nice player as well.

Their core will be reliant on how well they draft in these next few years.