Memphis Grizzlies Game 6 Preview: Last Home Game for Core 4?
As the Memphis Grizzlies are on the brink of elimination, there’s a possibility that it’ll be the last time the “Core 4” suit up for the Grizz at home.
It’s inevitable. We have to talk about it eventually. There’s a conundrum for the Memphis Grizzlies that the fanbase may not want to confront: free agency.
This summer, both Tony Allen and Zach Randolph will be free agents. As both continue to age, the Grizzlies have to decide whether or not to move on from their franchise icons.
Throughout the season, the Memphis Grizzlies have shifted their focus to modern, pace-and-space basketball. First, they signed Chandler Parsons in efforts to finally have a versatile, playmaking wing who could play both forward positions. Then, they hired 3-point snipers Troy Daniels and James Ennis. Dave Fizdale moved Zach Randolph to the bench for the defensively versatile JaMychal Green. Marc Gasol has expanded his range beyond the arc and has thrived in doing so. In addition, all this spacing has given Mike Conley more room to wreck his opponents which has resulted in a career year for the 10-year veteran.
In playing modern basketball, there’s just one problem: Zach Randolph and Tony Allen aren’t exactly fit for it. Randolph is a big man who’s not big or athletic enough to protect the rim, and he’s also too slow to guard the modern-day stretch-4’s. While Tony Allen’s defense is rivaled by few, he can’t shoot. To play pace-and-space basketball, you need all five guys to be threats on the floor.
While the fans may not like it, one or both of them may be gone next season. Maybe, they both come back. Anything can happen.
Let’s not focus on that aspect though.
The Final Stand
The Memphis Grizzlies return home tonight on the brink of elimination. A loss here tonight ends their season. However, a win gives them one more game to outlast the mighty San Antonio Spurs.
No matter how you look at it, it could still be the last time the Grindhouse sees the Core Four all the same time.
We may have seen the last of Tony Allen, but it could be ZBo’s final home game. In saying that, relish every jab-step, mid-range jumper. Relish the “Z-Bounds.” The bully ball. Every high-low from his frontcourt compadre, Marc Gasol. All of it. The man who brought playoff basketball to Memphis could very well be on his way out.
At some point tonight, take a moment and realize that the “Core Four” era has been one for the ages.
Next: Waiting on Point Guards Worth The Wait
Game Info
WHO: Memphis Grizzlies vs. San Antonio Spurs
WHEN: 8:30 PM – Central Time
WHERE: FedEx Forum – Memphis, TN
HOW TO WATCH: TNT, Fox Sports Southeast or any online stream
HOW TO LISTEN: 92.9 ESPN – Memphis
BETTING ODDS: Spurs (-4.5); Over/Under (189.5)
TWITTER: @BealeStBearsFS
SERIES: Spurs lead 3-2.