Memphis Grizzlies:
For those wondering, there are a couple of simple facts which provide answers to why the Grizzlies are so good this season:
- Mike Conley truly is that good! For longer term NBA fans just think back to each of the past five seasons (excluding his injury riddled season last year) and the debates which took place over his exclusion from the All-Star squads. Straight up – there simply isn’t anyone as adept at changing pace in the NBA as Conley. When he’s healthy he is the Grizzlies engine and the straw that stirs their offense.
- Contrary to popular belief last season Marc Gasol isn’t finished. In fact, I’m starting to wonder if this was all a ploy by Gasol and the Grizzlies upper management to ensure they landed a top draft pick. The humorous part of the equation is Zach Randolph was the vet who when paired with the younger Gasol made them a formidable frontcourt. Now….
- Gasol is the vet and Jaren Jackson Jr is the youthful equivalent that Marc used to be to ZBo. But, this kid is so much more already. In five years time, I wonder if the Suns and Kings will rue the day they let JJ slip to the Grizzlies!
- Last but not least, GM Chris Wallace deserves kudos for adding the perfect character and glue guys to his roster. The roster is full of ‘perfect fits’ who meld seamlessly into the Grizzlies identity. Young players like Dillon Brooks, Swiss army knife Kyle Anderson or veteran free agents like Garrett Temple and Shelvin Mack who connect from deep and offer character to the squad. Wallace has composed the updated Grit and Grind version in Memphis and they sure look to be a squad poised for re-entry to the postseason.
Factors:
Offensive Rating: 23rd
Defensive Rating: 4th
Net Differential: 10th
Offensive field goal efficiency: 45.4 percent (14th)
Opponent field goal efficiency: 44.7 percent (9th)
Win/Loss of 3-1: Beat Bucks, Kings and Wolves and lost to the Jazz
Record: 10-5