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?