Are the Grizzlies ready for the regular season?
Oct 24, 2014; Memphis, TN, USA; Memphis Grizzlies forward Zach Randolph (50) handles the ball against Miami Heat forward Shawne Williams (43) during the game at FedExForum. Mandatory Credit: Justin Ford-USA TODAY Sports
Preseason has come and gone with its share of highs and lows for the Memphis Grizzlies. That’s typical for most NBA teams, but can we be sure that the Grizzlies will be ready for opening day?
Dave Joerger and the Memphis coaching staff have worked diligently to get this team ready for the regular season, and you can be sure that it’ll pay off. There are numerous veterans in the Grizzlies’ locker room, which will also help in the team prepping for the beginning of a new season. This combination generally leads to a team being well prepared for the upcoming year.
The Memphis veterans will be more than ready. Marc Gasol is in the best shape of his career, and will continue to be a top 5 center in the league. His front-court partner, Zach Randolph, is notorious for working hard in the off-season, and he has stayed in prime form as well. These two vets, along with other Memphis big men Kosta Koufos, Jarnell Stokes, and Jon Leuer, should all have great seasons.
Sir Charles In Charge
New addition Vince Carter is going to be a major leader on this team, and you can look for him to be a spark off the bench. Despite his age, Carter is still a starting caliber small forward (on this roster at least), and he could end up in that role at some point during the season. Look for VC’s consistent scoring output to be a staple throughout the year.
At guard, you can expect Mike Conley, Tony Allen, and Courtney Lee to all be ready to take on extended minutes. Conley might take on a few less than years prior since there are two backup point guards behind him in Beno Udrih and Nick Calathes. Rookie Jordan Adams could also work his way into significant playing time if he can continue his strong play from the preseason.
The one question mark (I know I’ve said it a million times) is Tayshaun Prince. His game is declining and he is nowhere near the player he used to be. At some point his void at small forward will need to be addressed either internally, or via trade. Prince could turn around and have a great year–in which case I would love to be wrong.
Overall, the Grizzlies are very prepared for the regular season to start. Almost everyone has improved this off-season, and we can look for that to translate into this upcoming year. Ladies and gentlemen, your Grizzlies are going to be quite good.