This topic contains 32 replies, has 9 voices, and was last updated by AvatarAvatar omphalos 13 years, 5 months ago.

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  • #22334
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    Mr.Knick 32
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    Atlanta Hawks, Charlotte Bobcats and the Oklahoma City Thunder. Those are just some of the teams who’ve taken the leap from mediocre to playoff teams. I have my team this year: The Memphis Grizzlies. Last season, Memphis was alright, finishing in 10th in the west at 40-42. This offseason, the Grizzlies decided to make moves to fix that. The biggest move had to be resigning Rudy Gay. Even though many people believed that Rudy Gay was not worth the 5 year/80 million Memphis signed him to, Gay still provides 17 points and 6 rebounds with above average defense.  Zach Randolph came over in a steal of a trade and provided a team leading 20.8 points and 11.7 rebounds. With Randolph in a contract season, he could explode looking for that new contract. Is 22-13 in his range? Maybe.

    Let’s get to the “problem” of the Grizzlies: Mike Conley Jr. I actually disagree that he’s a problem in the lineup. I believe he’s a solid point guard and 12 points, 5 rebounds and 1.5 steals are not bad. I believe he will average the same numbers but the leadership is coming. In no way am I saying Conley is similar to Chauncey Billups but, the numbers are similar comparing Billups in 04:

    Conley in 2009-2010: 12ppg, 5apg, 1.5spg

    Billups in 2004-2005: 16ppg, 5apg, 1spg

    Mind you, that was Billups’ 4th season running a offense. I think alot of people see this golden era of point guards (Rose, Westbrook, Rondo, Wall, Williams, Paul) and expect this former top 5 pick to be in that group. What if Conley is just a 14-3-6 guy for his career? I think he will be solid for Memphis this season.

    OJ Mayo is in year 3! I love Mayo’s game. He may not be the height I would like my starting 2 man to be (6-4), but he’s still a top notch defender. Before Gay’s last season and the addition of Randolph, Mayo was the shooter in late games. Mayo loved shooting the ball and he kept Memphis in some games with his play. Last season, he averaged 17-3-3 with 1.2 steals.  Could Mayo step into that 3rd man role? I believe so.

    Let’s talk about a key factor: The Bench

    I love the bench additions to Memphis’ bench. Mind you, the Grizzlies should be getting back Darrell Arthur, who’s solid. DeMarre Carroll was not lighting up the scoreboard and his stats won’t make you squeal, but his a strong, long defender who can defend 3’s and 4’s. Acie Law should not be starting anywhere but as a off the bench defender/passer? I like it. Law will most likely be a deep reserve as the backup point guard role will go to Tony Allen. Allen, acquired from Boston in free agency, should be a very solid defender and leader for the second unit. Add draft picks Xavier Henry and Greivis Vasquez and Memphis should be very fast. The one interesting thing: Could Memphis fuse Hasheem Thabeet into the rotation? Thabeet should only be relied upon for defense, defense and a little bit of defense. Should we cover Damien Wilkins and Sam Young? Both are tweeners who can defend 2’s and 3’s.

    Overall, I expect Memphis to do well and make the playoffs this season in my updated playoff rankings.

     

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  • #413631
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    IndianaBasketball
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    I agree with everything you said about Conley.

    I wouldn’t be surprised if Memphis made the playoffs as the 8th seed. I think it’s time for Rudy Gay to take his game up a notch.

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  • #413634
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    IndianaBasketball
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    I agree with everything you said about Conley.

    I wouldn’t be surprised if Memphis made the playoffs as the 8th seed. I think it’s time for Rudy Gay to take his game up a notch.

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  • #413637
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    llperez

    memphis can defenitly make the playoffs. They still have a shaky bench. But no doubt they can make a run if things go well. Problem is, they are yet another team in the west fighting for 8 spots. Hornets, Suns, Nuggets…memphis is right in the same boat with them. SHould be fun to watch.

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  • #413640
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    llperez

    memphis can defenitly make the playoffs. They still have a shaky bench. But no doubt they can make a run if things go well. Problem is, they are yet another team in the west fighting for 8 spots. Hornets, Suns, Nuggets…memphis is right in the same boat with them. SHould be fun to watch.

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  • #413639
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    Mr.Knick 32
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    Conley has been beaten up and it’s actually not fair.

     

    I think right now, Memphis is better then the Suns and Nuggets. The thing is: Denver could start slow, the Suns could be KILLED in the post. I don’t really like NO.

     

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  • #413642
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    Mr.Knick 32
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    Conley has been beaten up and it’s actually not fair.

     

    I think right now, Memphis is better then the Suns and Nuggets. The thing is: Denver could start slow, the Suns could be KILLED in the post. I don’t really like NO.

     

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  • #413643
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    butidonthavemoney

    I’m still not sure. They were the worst passing team (statistically) in the NBA last season. Their bench also hurt them (big time) last season. The potential is there, but I am a skeptic.

    Like llperez said, the Suns and Nuggets are right there with the Grizzlies…

    You can never count out Steve Nash and the Suns. Carmelo is a big question mark, but the Nuggets are largely the same team they were last year when they finished 4th in the West.

    The Hornets aren’t scaring anybody.

    Good piece. Interesting thought.

    EDIT: Make that the second-worst passing team (statistically) in the NBA last season.

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  • #413646
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    butidonthavemoney

    I’m still not sure. They were the worst passing team (statistically) in the NBA last season. Their bench also hurt them (big time) last season. The potential is there, but I am a skeptic.

    Like llperez said, the Suns and Nuggets are right there with the Grizzlies…

    You can never count out Steve Nash and the Suns. Carmelo is a big question mark, but the Nuggets are largely the same team they were last year when they finished 4th in the West.

    The Hornets aren’t scaring anybody.

    Good piece. Interesting thought.

    EDIT: Make that the second-worst passing team (statistically) in the NBA last season.

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  • #413645
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    Chrischi
    Participant

    I agree with you in many points. I think Memphis is stronger than the Suns and NO and will probably have a better record than the Nuggets because they still struggle with injuries.

    Conley is solid, and he can be streaky at times as he showed late last season having some 20+ point games.

    Their bench looks very solid also stuffed with 2-3 year guys who still have upside.

    But you’re totally wrong about one thing. Carroll didn’t defend too well. Same for Sam Young. He was horrible defensivly last season. Memphis had one of the, maybe the worst defensive bench last season, that was actually the reason why they picked up Brewer a great pick-up but he sadly got injured.

    And that’s why I like what the organisation did, by adding Tony Allen and Henry to their roster. They will be huge for the Memphis bench defensivly. Great pick ups, I would have done exactly the same. Now they just need Thabeet to step up his game and it looks very good for them.

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  • #413648
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    Chrischi
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    I agree with you in many points. I think Memphis is stronger than the Suns and NO and will probably have a better record than the Nuggets because they still struggle with injuries.

    Conley is solid, and he can be streaky at times as he showed late last season having some 20+ point games.

    Their bench looks very solid also stuffed with 2-3 year guys who still have upside.

    But you’re totally wrong about one thing. Carroll didn’t defend too well. Same for Sam Young. He was horrible defensivly last season. Memphis had one of the, maybe the worst defensive bench last season, that was actually the reason why they picked up Brewer a great pick-up but he sadly got injured.

    And that’s why I like what the organisation did, by adding Tony Allen and Henry to their roster. They will be huge for the Memphis bench defensivly. Great pick ups, I would have done exactly the same. Now they just need Thabeet to step up his game and it looks very good for them.

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  • #413696
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    Malik-Universal
    Participant

    i dont think they make it

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  • #413701
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    Malik-Universal
    Participant

    i dont think they make it

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  • #413742
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    RUDEBOY_
    Participant

    1 Thing nobody has mentioned is they might regret trading Dominique Jones to Dallas, so far this preseason he has looked good..Another thing nobody has mentioned is how often Conley gets beats and out played on defense by opposing guards..

    The reason they were 2nd worst in the league in passing becuz they had 2 great post scorers in Randolph & Marc Gasol..Grizzlies lead the nba in scoring in the post..And Rudy Gay is a poor passer,he’s created offense via passes on only 7%  of his isolation sets..

    They could’ve won 50 games last season,but they let alot of 3rd quarter leads get away..Becuz their players didn’t know how to finish games..Expect Henry to be a big part of their offense by the allstar break…Law will play better in their system..

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  • #413747
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    RUDEBOY_
    Participant

    1 Thing nobody has mentioned is they might regret trading Dominique Jones to Dallas, so far this preseason he has looked good..Another thing nobody has mentioned is how often Conley gets beats and out played on defense by opposing guards..

    The reason they were 2nd worst in the league in passing becuz they had 2 great post scorers in Randolph & Marc Gasol..Grizzlies lead the nba in scoring in the post..And Rudy Gay is a poor passer,he’s created offense via passes on only 7%  of his isolation sets..

    They could’ve won 50 games last season,but they let alot of 3rd quarter leads get away..Becuz their players didn’t know how to finish games..Expect Henry to be a big part of their offense by the allstar break…Law will play better in their system..

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  • #413744
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    d-grizzly
    Participant

    nice post knicks 32. point up

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  • #413749
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    d-grizzly
    Participant

    nice post knicks 32. point up

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  • #413746
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    d-grizzly
    Participant

    i’d also like to add,

    I feel Marc Gasol is the hidden gem of this team. He’s a decent inside man and works very well with Zbo. He plays average defense, nothing more or less. Marc is an above average passer for a center, for those of you who watch the grizz, you’ll know what I mean.

    So, feed big Marc the ball more…and if he can’t create for himself or gets double teamed…. then there’s the possibility of zbo in the paint or mayo/gay/conely being left wide open.

     

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  • #413751
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    d-grizzly
    Participant

    i’d also like to add,

    I feel Marc Gasol is the hidden gem of this team. He’s a decent inside man and works very well with Zbo. He plays average defense, nothing more or less. Marc is an above average passer for a center, for those of you who watch the grizz, you’ll know what I mean.

    So, feed big Marc the ball more…and if he can’t create for himself or gets double teamed…. then there’s the possibility of zbo in the paint or mayo/gay/conely being left wide open.

     

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  • #413754
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    Mr.Knick 32
    Participant

    I didn’t put this in the post:

    The Memphis Grizzlies really need to make the playoffs. The Grizzlies (to me) have 4 players in the top 50, they have to make the playoffs because if not, they would be underachiving in my eyes.

    There’s nothing really not to like from this team. The only issue down the road is weather or not to pay Zach Randolph.

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  • #413758
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    Mr.Knick 32
    Participant

    I didn’t put this in the post:

    The Memphis Grizzlies really need to make the playoffs. The Grizzlies (to me) have 4 players in the top 50, they have to make the playoffs because if not, they would be underachiving in my eyes.

    There’s nothing really not to like from this team. The only issue down the road is weather or not to pay Zach Randolph.

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  • #413759
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    d-grizzly
    Participant

    it’s a tough crowded west conference.

    i project they win between 45-52 games. many will think i’m crazy

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  • #413762
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    d-grizzly
    Participant

    it’s a tough crowded west conference.

    i project they win between 45-52 games. many will think i’m crazy

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  • #413763
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    RUDEBOY_
    Participant

    Even though i live in Orlando ,i’m a Grizzlies season ticket holder…I traveled often to Memphis to see them last play season..

    they really need to find a way to keep Randolph,even though Rudy Gay is their most talented player,Z-Bo was their most important player last year..Z-Bo has said he’s willing to take a paycut..

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  • #413766
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    RUDEBOY_
    Participant

    Even though i live in Orlando ,i’m a Grizzlies season ticket holder…I traveled often to Memphis to see them last play season..

    they really need to find a way to keep Randolph,even though Rudy Gay is their most talented player,Z-Bo was their most important player last year..Z-Bo has said he’s willing to take a paycut..

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  • #413764
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    d-grizzly
    Participant

    there’s a startling statistic from last year.

     

    in 2010, the grizz lost 17 games, where at one point in the game, they held a double digit lead.

    ^ – points to the bench, imo. they fixed the bench up and a few of them are a year older. I expect this bench to do wonders for the grizz

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  • #413768
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    d-grizzly
    Participant

    there’s a startling statistic from last year.

     

    in 2010, the grizz lost 17 games, where at one point in the game, they held a double digit lead.

    ^ – points to the bench, imo. they fixed the bench up and a few of them are a year older. I expect this bench to do wonders for the grizz

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  • #413767
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    Mr.Knick 32
    Participant

    I could see them as a 7th seed to be honest.

    Utah, Los Angeles, Dallas, San Antonio, OkC, Portland

    Those are potential locks but I would not be shocked if Dallas and San Antonio fall to the back of the bunch and Memphis could leapfrog or even steal a playoff spot from them.

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  • #413770
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    Mr.Knick 32
    Participant

    I could see them as a 7th seed to be honest.

    Utah, Los Angeles, Dallas, San Antonio, OkC, Portland

    Those are potential locks but I would not be shocked if Dallas and San Antonio fall to the back of the bunch and Memphis could leapfrog or even steal a playoff spot from them.

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  • #413771
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    d-grizzly
    Participant

    can go in memphis’s favor. like you said, spurs and mavericks could fall back causing a leapfrog effect.

    but i also look at the mentality overall for denver. if they struggle to win games or keep anthony happy before the trade, that team will explode with locker room problems.

    i look at the overall talent of the suns and just can’t imagine them using hedo/warrick to compensate the loss of amare. he was such an immense piece of their success.

     

    there are 2 real teams they’re gonna have to battle for a playoff spot… the hornets and the rockets. If both of those teams stay healthy…..they’re gonna be right there with the grizz or above them.

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  • #413775
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    d-grizzly
    Participant

    can go in memphis’s favor. like you said, spurs and mavericks could fall back causing a leapfrog effect.

    but i also look at the mentality overall for denver. if they struggle to win games or keep anthony happy before the trade, that team will explode with locker room problems.

    i look at the overall talent of the suns and just can’t imagine them using hedo/warrick to compensate the loss of amare. he was such an immense piece of their success.

     

    there are 2 real teams they’re gonna have to battle for a playoff spot… the hornets and the rockets. If both of those teams stay healthy…..they’re gonna be right there with the grizz or above them.

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  • #413773
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    omphalos
    Participant

    Grizzlies are an interesting team; they have all the pieces to be the next OKC or Portland and challenge for the playoffs but they are missing that one vital aspect; a solid go-to guy. OKC had Durant, Portland had Roy.

    After signing for big money Rudy needs to step up and be that guy this season or else Mayo should be given the green light to win games in the 4th quarter. Honestly, I like Mayo better in this role with Gay playing second fiddle because he has a more reliable jump-shot and strikes me as having a more level head which is kinda necessary in clutch situations.

    If the Grizzlies can sort out their 4th quarter problems then I see them being as good as any playoff team, even if they don’t make it. I say that because the West is so tight right now that the difference between 4th and 10th seeds is miniscule (especially with Yao back at the Rockets). There might not be parity in the League, but the Western Conference is about as tight as it gets.

    Personally, I’m hoping the Suns drop out (never been a fan) and either the Grizzlies or Clippers take their spot.

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  • #413777
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    omphalos
    Participant

    Grizzlies are an interesting team; they have all the pieces to be the next OKC or Portland and challenge for the playoffs but they are missing that one vital aspect; a solid go-to guy. OKC had Durant, Portland had Roy.

    After signing for big money Rudy needs to step up and be that guy this season or else Mayo should be given the green light to win games in the 4th quarter. Honestly, I like Mayo better in this role with Gay playing second fiddle because he has a more reliable jump-shot and strikes me as having a more level head which is kinda necessary in clutch situations.

    If the Grizzlies can sort out their 4th quarter problems then I see them being as good as any playoff team, even if they don’t make it. I say that because the West is so tight right now that the difference between 4th and 10th seeds is miniscule (especially with Yao back at the Rockets). There might not be parity in the League, but the Western Conference is about as tight as it gets.

    Personally, I’m hoping the Suns drop out (never been a fan) and either the Grizzlies or Clippers take their spot.

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