
'Twas the night before Christmas....



Well preseason game #4 is in the books for the Memphis Grizzlies and it was a lackluster effort to say the least. This game was hurt by some very spotty officiating but it didn't seem to hurt the Pacers ability to execute on both ends of the court. This game continued a disturbing trend of poor defense, poor rebounding and poor intensity. For me this is not a good sign of a young team, coming off a poor season with a new coaching staff and plenty of playing time available. Since this game was available on DirectTV, I decided to concentrate on evaluating the individual players instead of the team as an entire unit. Here is my breakdown of the performance of the players:Dear Mr. Wallace,
I know you don't know me from a hole in the wall but I am a Memphis Grizzlies fan. I know that does mean a lot to you because you have at least shown that much. First off, Welcome to Memphis! You have really been a breath of fresh air. Every since I read you were being considered for our GM and read your 3-part analysis on the 2007 NBA draft, I knew you were the right man for the job. From a fans perspective, I think you had an almost flawless offseason considering the resources you had at your disposal. Our team is just full of talented, young players and generally good guys. See, this isn't going to be one of those letters full of criticism.
The purpose of this letter is to get you to understand my expectations as a fan. I want to win. By winning, I don't mean going 42-40 and winning 2 games in the playoffs. See my fellow Grizz fans always tell me to be patient. These things take time. Well, I have been an NBA fan for well over 20 years and I know that is a lie. As a fellow NBA fan, I now you can remember a lot of promising, young teams that never amounted to squat. Some never even stayed together long enough to make the playoffs. Remember the Clippers with Brand, Odom, Miles, Q Rich and Andre Miller? I do. I remember the Three Js and Backcourt2000. So I know nothing is promised regardless of how you decide to build the team.
What I do know is that the NBA is not simply a talent driven league. The NBA is an experienced talent driven league. Saying that gets me to the point of this letter: BE PREPARED! Come January, Memphis fans will be a little giddy over the future promise of our team. Please save them!
See I moved to Memphis in 2001 after spending 7 years in San Antonio as a Spurs fan. I was in the Alamodome when The Memorial Day Miracle happened! Grizz fans only understand the underdog role. Being the underdog sucks! Until that season, the Spurs were a cuddly little organization. Always a good team but non-threatening as far as title contention in the NBA. 8 seasons later and they are the team every other contending team measures themselves against.
I am not asking you to make us the Spurs but for the love of basketball, make us one of the teams measuring themselves against the Spurs. I know, I know...patience right? Is seven years not enough time? I know this first six seasons weren't your fault but you inherit the history with the job....
...back to the purpose of the letter:
Come January, Memphis fans will be a little giddy over the future promise of our team. Please save them!
There will be some team in the Eastern Conference floundering around, probably injured or in some other type of disarray. Regardless of the reason, they will be disappointing. They will inexplicably put their best player on the market. Oh, there will likely not be any articles written about it but you will hear the noise.
The most likely team will be the Washington Wizards. A team with an outspoken star approaching free agency (Gilbert Arenas), an aged veteran approaching free agency (Antawn Jamison) that they are to cheap to resign, another player with a reasonable contract to keep them credible to their fans, and a bunch of promising young talent. Oh, by January they will be ripe for the picking. Please pluck Mr. Arenas off their roster.
They have a notoriously cheap owner and I can't see him resigning Arenas to a MAX deal and Jamison to a rich deal just to keep being a fringe playoff team. So let's give them the tonic all cheap owners like their fans to drink: Future Promise V.S.O.P. I have seen some fans so drunk on it that ownership can milk half a decade or more out of it (See Atlanta). It truly is a remarkable drink.
Let them have their choice of Conley or Lowry and Gay or Warrick. Take the restrictions off that draft pick we owe them for 2009 and throw in another pick in 2011, then do what I know you didn't want to do this summer for Juan Carlos Navarro and take Brendan Haywood off their roster and throw in Damon Stoudamire and Stromile Swift's soon to be expiring contracts. So most likely it will end up being Mike Conley, Rudy Gay, Damon Stoudamire, Stromile Swift and 2 1st round draft picks for Gilbert Arenas and Brendan Haywood.
I know it is a lot to ask Mr. Wallace but for the love of basketball, Memphis has had plenty of years watching "potential" and it is hit and miss. For once, it would be nice to watch a finished product that is an All Star playing next to Pau Gasol.
MemphisX
It seems that this is the popular reaction to the mistake in Malaga. In fact, this was my initial reaction. However, upon second look at the game, Grizzlies fans should be alarmed. Somewhere inside you, I know you felt the familiarity:
1. The Grizzlies were unable to generate much offense in half court sets outside of dumping it in to Pau.
2. The Grizzlies were out rebounded 57-37 by a suspect frontcourt.
3. The Grizzlies shooting less than 60% from the line in a close game.
4. The opponent dominating our defensive boards down the stretch.
5. Mike Miller missing key shots (FTs) in the game.
6. Pau Gasol not playing strong in the post late.
7. Young players unable to make plays (except Kyle Lowry) late in the game.
Was it just one preseason game or was it symbolic of the entire existence of the team's last 3 years in Memphis? Speaking as a fan that was frustrated by 0-12 and embarrassed by 22 wins, I think it might be time that we address at least on of our long time problems (defensive/rebounding big or perimeter playmaker) with an NBA proven player.
I like to watch young players develop as much as the next guy but perhaps 6 rotational players in need of long term development is a bit to much. When you have three roster spots occupied by Damon, Stromile and Cardinal (edit: he looked good vs. MMT) and two spots occupied by player that have been unable to stick in the league, two young point guards are going to have a more difficult time running the team.
I guess it is ok to just dismiss it as the early portion of the preseason but it has been awhile since we have had a promising team of veterans that can play and young players that are productive. Don't the fans deserve that much?
I must admit that I am just a tad bit jealous of what Danny Ainge has done for Boston fans. I am really tired of potential and Strotential. We, as a fanbase, have never even gone into a NBA season as a consensus preseason lock to be a playoff team.
Think about that for a second.......
This is going to be the 7th season in Memphis and not once have we been considered a playoff lock and we are still left to hope for potential and talk about what ifs. Frankly, I don't think I can stomach another 82 games of watching a team in which the majority of the playing rotation does not understand what it takes to make game winning plays on a nightly basis.
I hope Chris Wallace takes a lesson from his old boss in Boston and trades some of our potential for some proven NBA performers. The only difference between Memphis and Boston is that none of our young players has been as productive as Al Jefferson which limits the level of player we could acquire. However, just maybe Hakim Warrick will break out this season...right?
Well this review is a couple of days late but it is here now. The Western Conference non playoff teams were infused with the two best NCAA prospects to come into the NBA in about 15 years. Unlike Boston in the East, non of the Western teams are projected to be in the NBA finals this season. Let me tell you how the worst of the West did this summer:
What went right: The Memphis Grizzlies are finally out from under the iron fist of Jerry West. The gray days are over. New GM Chris Wallace has breathed fresh air into a franchise that has seen very little success since coming into the NBA. How that will translate into wins and losses is yet to be seen. The Grizzlies finally signed a big man to compliment Pau Gasol. Darko Milicic will be the first talented center to play for the Grizzlies since Big Country called it quits and should play well off of Gasol. The Grizzlies also drafted Mike Conley Jr. Conley is going to be an impact PG. His stats might not be but it will show up in the wins column much like TJ Ford's rookie year in Milwaukee but better.
What went right: The Sonics were able to draft the most exciting talent to come into the NBA since Vince Carter. He will eventually be must see around the league and they should begin to construct a roster around him immediately. Kevin Durant had the most electric college basketball season I have witnessed since Chris Jackson of LSU. The Sonics also made a shrewd GM hire in Sam Presti. I thought he was a good choice even though I am going on 2nd hand knowledge. I liked his trade of Ray Allen and what he got for taking on Kurt Thomas' contract from Phoenix. However, I am skeptical on his selection of Jeff green at #5 when he plays the same position as Durant.
What went right: Nothing. Seriously. They waited to long to trade KG. Drafted the wrong player and traded for Trenton Hassel for a worse player with a worse contract. This is the pit of the NBA now that KG is gone. If I were Al Jefferson, I would not sign an extension here.
What went right: The Portland Trailblazers won the NBA draft lottery and the right to draft the next great big man: Greg Oden. In bringing in the next Blazer era, they decided to rid themselves of one of the last parts of Trailgangsta lore by giving away Zach Randolph to New York. I think this was a good move because Oden is going to be so good that they will not need a steady NBA veteran to keep the team afloat.
What went right: The Sacramento Kings had the wisdom to lock up Kevin Martin without letting negotiations get public or nasty. $55 million over 5 years is a steep price but his talent seems to warrant that type of contract. Ron Artest and Brad Miller are supposedly in much better condition than they were last season. If this is the case, then the hole everyone projects this team to fall into might never be dug. There is some talent here, especially on the perimeter.
What went right: Tyson Chandler was able to spend the entire summer playing with and against some of the best players the NBA has to offer. It can only help his perspective. The team has also moved back to New Orleans full time, which should help them get back some stability because I don't think the homecourt advantage of OK was going to last much longer.
What went right: I am not sure what went right here. If you got something, please email me.
Well the Memphis Grizzlies continue with their efforts to reach out to their fan base and make them feel like part of the organization. This afternoon they held the 1st Annual Blue-White scrimmage at lunch time on the main floor of the FedExForum. It was a nice little atmosphere and I hope they continue with this because it was a great success.
Well it is now time to kick off the 2007-08 NBA season and the best way to do that is to go over exactly what happened while we were hibernating this summer. Today we will kick off with the sludge from the Eastern Conference (teams that did not make the playoffs) and find out exactly what they have done this summer.
What went right: No other team in the NBA made a bigger splash this summer than the Boston Celtics. Fresh off of one of the most disappointing seasons in their storied history, they promptly got a lottery night gut punch that seemed to mark the end of Danny Ainge in Boston. Then Ainge pulled off a much scrutinized draft night trade for the tender ankled Ray Allen. It was thought to be a move of desperation at the time. A last ditch effort to "look the part" of a upper echelon team. Then there was the mishandled attempt to facilitate a Keven Garnett to Phoenix deal that was thwarted by Shawn Marion. In a true darkest before the dawn scenario, Kevin McHale decided to cement himself in Celtic lore by gift wrapping KG to Boston for a package significantly worse than one he turned down on draft night. The Celtics were left with three players that could rival the real Big Three in talent level. It will probably go down as one of the all time image turnarounds in sports.
What went right: The Bucks took one for all the small market teams in the NBA and stood up to the bullshit that was Yi's handlers. They drafted the player they thought was the best for that pick and got him signed. The Bucks also kept their two free agent guards, Mo Williams and Charlie Bell, despite their flirtations with South Beach. Also, Michael Redd came out of this summer healthy and ready to get back to the playoffs. The Bucks also brought back Desmond Mason, who they traded away in a horrific deal for the player formerly known as a real NBA player (Jamaal Magloire).
What went right: The Atlanta Hawks did not hit ground zero and kept two 1st round draft picks. The Hawks selected seasoned college players that should be able to help the team right away. Al Horford should be able to step in to the center position and compete from day one. Acie Law should finally give them a high level talent at the point guard position. Also, Marvin Williams and Josh Smith are a year more experienced which should show significantly on the court. Smith looked to be on the verge of becoming a force after Joe Johnson went down.
What went right: The Knicks acquired a prime 20 and 10 PF for peanuts. Heck, they got him for less than peanuts. Zack Randolph should immediately become the Knicks go to scorer and take a lot of pressure off of Eddy Curry. Teams will struggle to defend the Knicks low post threats. If the Knicks can get any perimeter shooting, they could actually be dangerous by the end of the season. This might explain why they are in pursuit of Allan Houston. I think they would be better served dealing for a perimeter shooter under 30 years old.
What went right: Although the Bobcats did not acquire an All Star, they did get a real, live NBA player instead of another freaking draft pick. Jason Richardson should take a lot of pressure off the youngsters in Charlotte. Raymond Felton should finally have the PG position all to himself and show he belongs in the conversation with Chris Paul and Deron Williams. With Emeka Okafor anchoring the middle, the Bobcats have a chance to finally make the playoffs in the East. The Bobcats also kept Gerald Wallace at a seemingly good price.
What went right: The Philadelphia 76ers did not trade Andre Miller. When some teams lose their star players, they eject every credible NBA player over 25 off the roster. This just delays the rebuilding process (see Atlanta). The 76ers will extend Andre Iguodala. Unfortunately, they will probably give him $20 million more than he is worth. Louis Williams looked like a potential breakout player in summer league.
What went right: Jermaine O'Neal is not in Los Angeles or New Jersey. As long as the Pacers have this anchor in the post, they have a chance to be decent. If O'Neal is healthy they could contend for a playoff spot despite what most national media guys will tell you. Jamaal Tinsley is supposedly healthy (and not imprisoned...yet). Diogu, Foster, and Murphy gives them some interesting options next to JO. I expect this team to be much better than expected.Come back on the 3rd when I will review the sludge of the Western Conference including the Memphis Grizzlies.
GrizzliesNation.com is gearing up for another exciting NBA basketball season. We will have game coverage, routing podcast to answer emailed questions and just so I can give my opinions on what is going on around the NBA, the debut of the weekly GrizzliesNation.com NBA Power Poll, and interviews. It looks to be an exciting season. First thing up will be an evaluation of the plethora of offseason news and moves. Also I will evaluate the entire roster and give my opinions on what should be expected out of the players and the virgin head coach. I might even have a redesigned site in store before opening night. It should be fun, buckle in for the laying of the championship foundation...I hope.
1. Portland TrailBlazers - Greg Oden - I think they will regret this selection until they finally win a championship with him. With Durant so close in proximity, their fates and futures will forever be tied together and I think Durant will come out the blocks faster
2. Seattle Sonics - Kevin Durant - Should win ROY. He is going to be one of the era defining players along with LeBron, Oden, Dwight Howard and Yi Jianlian.
3. Atlanta Hawks - Al Horford - I think that somehow they get the Amare deal done and Minnesota will take Horford in this spot to go with Foye and Craig Smith. If Atlanta picks here then the selection will be Yi Jianlian.
4. Memphis Grizzlies - Mike Conley Jr. - My guess is this is going to be the Grizzlies pick regardless of what happens at 3. I think they have a planned formed to get Pau some veteran interior help in the free agent market ( Darko, Verajao) or they will go ultra uptempo with Rudy gay at PF and go hard after Rashard Lewis.
5. Boston Celtics - Yi Jianlian - If he is available, they pick him due to talent, need, and marketability. It would be hard for any owner to pass over this revenue stream and the cheapskates in Boston certainly will pick Yi.
6. Milwaukee Bucks - Jeff Green - At this point, I think they would be very open to dealing this pick. They would love to select Brandan Wright here but this team needs to get back to the playoffs and Bobby Simmons is a question mark.
7. Minnesota Timberwolves - Brandan Wright - They have plenty of time to wait on him to develop. They can offer him playing time and no pressure of performing if KG is dealt.
8. Charlotte Bobcats - Joakim Noah - I expect the Memphis Grizzlies to jump up here for Joakim Noah. They are absolutely in love with him and his energy. He is charismatic, athletic and productive.
9. Chicago Bulls - Corey Brewer - Some will say he is not a position of need. However, in a conference with LeBron and D Wade, I think Skiles will find him useful. Also allows them to deal Ben Gordon for some interior help.
10. Sacramento Kings - Acie Law IV - Mike Bibby will be moved along with Ron Artest as SacTown begins the long process of rebuilding.
11. Atlanta Hawks - Thaddeus Young - Yes, BK does it again but he is the best available long term prospect. They will trade for a veteran PG and take a lot of heat until they make the trade. If Minnesota has this pick, it will be Hawes.
12. Philadelphia 76ers - Javaris Crittenton - With Andre Miller there, he will not be expected to perform immediately and can learn from Miller.
13. New Orleans Hornets - Rodney Stuckey - The Hornets went big last year and Stuckey will allow them to play Paul off the ball some and is a much more aggressive scorer than Nick Young.
14. Los Angeles Clippers - Nick Young - The Clippers get local product Young to help their aging backcourt. They would have loved to get a PG here but they were all snatched up.
15. Detroit Pistons - Al Thornton - Get an athletic freak that can produce right off the bat. Not much upside but the Pistons are trying to sneak in another ring before the door closes on them.
16. Washington Wizards - Sean Williams - In bad need of some athleticism on the frontline. They take a risk but the Wizards are a close bunch save for the soon to be departed Haywood.
17. New Jersey Nets - Julian Wright - The fall stops here. The Nets are heart broken that Williams went a pick ahead.
18. Golden State Warriors - Tiago Splitter - The Warriors can afford to wait a year on him.
19. Los Angeles Lakers - Morris Almond - Kobe gets some help but is it enough to make him happy? Doubtful.
20. Miami Heat - Rudy Fernandez - The Heat take a player they think they can entice to come over and play. He has professional experience and should be able to help immediately.
21. Philadelphia 76ers. - Spencer Hawes - The sweating in the green room is now over. Philly can't believe their luck in getting a good compliment to Dalembert.
22. Charlotte Bobcats - Daequan Cook - In two years, Adam Morrison will be this kids backup.
23. New York Knicks - Wilson Chandler - Whatever. He will probably be pretty damn decent.
24. Phoenix Suns - Petteri Koponen - They won't leave him in Europe either.
25. Utah Jazz - Jason Smith - Perfect backup for Okur and Boozer. Gives them another interior presence off the bench.
26. Houston Rockets - Nick Fazekas - Good rebounder, capable of spreading the court with his deft shooting touch. Could be the best shooter in the draft.
27. Detroit Pistons - Taurean Green - A very capable backup for Chauncey Billups who should be able to fill the role as backup perfectly.
28. San Antonio Spurs - Josh McRoberts -The Spurs get an absolute steal right here.
29. Phoenix Suns - Jared Dudley - If the Suns keep this pick, they get a player that can spell their main guys during the regular season.
30. Philadelphia 76ers - Derrick Byars - They need some help now. This will be one of the quickest rebuilds ever. Good nucleus that just needs AI2 to explode into an All Star.