Memphis Grizzlies

2014 Record: 55-27

2015 O/U 50.5

Who are their stars?

The Grizzlies, like the front of the Western Conference are a team that is diverse and deep in talent and are one of the real contenders for the title. Marc Gasol, at age 30 just signed for $113 million guaranteed but if you can get what they got out of him in 2014 it will all be worth it. Gasol is a force on the defensive front, and next to Zach Randolph you have the most devastating post presence. The two just seem to fit into this city as blue collar, grinders who put in the dirty work. Both have solid offensive games, but we have learned in crunch times, they may have to find scorers elsewhere. Mike Conley who is a guy that played with about five different injuries in the 2014 playoffs and still was their best crunch time player should be 100% on opening night. Conley is the most underrated point guard in the NBA, mainly because of his unnoticed defense as well as quiet offense behind the two forwards. He fits in with the two, gives them a big three, and if he were healthy, the Grizzlies were up 2-1 on the Warriors in Memphis, and that could have been a game he would have changed.

Who are their glue guys?

The glue guys that surrounded them bring some offense, and some defense to fit the lineups, pace of play, and talent on the court. Courtney Lee, and Jeff Green are two guys who can both score for this team. Lee is a solid three-point shooter, and sometimes you think he should be shooting even more. Jeff Green is a guy who is Jekyll and hyde. One minute he is 5-5, in the first eight possessions, three quarters later he is 5-10 with two turnovers. Green has decent defensive ability, but if his scoring can get the stars out of lulls, he will serve his duty. The guys who seem to blend in to that Memphis mentality are Matt Barnes and Tony Allen. Barnes, wide open in the corner can score, but he is a defender, and a pest at his best. Allen was first team all defense but we all saw him basically lose the series by not being able to do anything on offense vs. center Andrew Bogut. Mixing and matching the four at the wing will be what the task for Dave Joeger, and the right pairs can make them prime time contenders.

Who are the rotational players?

With solid depth in the rotations at the wing, Vince Carter may not see the court much, but his three point ability, and veteran leadership is worth noting for this team come playoffs. As far as depth behind the stars, Mike Conley is going to be spelled by Beno Udrih, and a competition of Andrew Harrison, and Russ Smith. I would lean to Harrison, but when speaking of just a third point guard, I would suspect both get jerseys, and game day reps while they maintain Conley to be ready for the playoffs. In relief of the bigs, Brandan Wright should be the center, as well as Randolph sliding to center in small lineups, while two young power forwards Jarell Martin, and Jarnell Stokes get reps at power forward. I am excited about both learning under Z-Bo and they should be both learn to rebound in the regard. They both are similar in body type, and Martin may have more athleticism, but this team can go three deep at every position, and the big three should be able to see rest and be ready for the playoffs in the regular season.

Where do they rank? Over Under? How far do they go?

As far as how far they go, as mentioned the sky is the limit. Some people see this team falling back, and pointed to Gasol and his new money, and Conley injuries and Randolph now at 34, but I would have to see this team visibly down before I believe they take that step back. As mentioned, I think two mini Randolphs can ease the load, and the depth at every position brings lineup flexibility to for a mix of youth and talent. In the stacked West they may be the sixth best roster, and may be scrapping with another championship contender in round 1, but if the dice roll right, buckle up Memphis.

Under 50.5, 6th in the Western Conference, 7th in the NBA.