Can the Grizzlies Compete in the Southwest Division?

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Memphis Grizzlies

What does all of this mean for the Memphis Grizzlies?

There have been lots of moves, as previously discussed, across the NBA and particularly within the NBA’s Southwest Division. Memphis’ fiercest foes have upgraded in some major ways. With an aging roster, as the Grizzlies definitely possess, fresh legs will be needed as well as durable bodies that can handle increased minutes. Their depth will accomplish all of that.

What key decisions have the Grizz made this offseason thus far?

For starters, they traded the Draft rights of Janis Timma to the Orlando Magic for Luke Ridnour. Memphis then immediately flipped Ridnour to the Charlotte Hornets for their newly-acquired wing player by the name of the one and only Matt Barnes–a very familiar foe. Essentially dealing Timma for Barnes, the Grizzlies were smooth operators in adding a key piece to give their roster–and championship hopes–a boost.

Apr 8, 2015; Dallas, TX, USA; Phoenix Suns forward Brandan Wright (32) shoots the ball around Dallas Mavericks center Tyson Chandler (6) during the second quarter at the American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports

Once a bad guy, Barnes will now tussle on the Grizzlies’ side of the scoreboard against all of the team’s rivals. Even though the Los Angeles Clippers–the last uniform Barnes wore in a game–are one of the Grizzlies’ most intense rivalries in team history, perhaps Barnes can get some sweet revenge on his former squad in critical games of next season’s NBA Playoffs.

What a sweet victory that would be for the Grizz. Yet, that is not all.

They also added Brandan Wright, although they lost backup defensive stud Kosta Koufos.

Though Double-K is now gone, Memphis receives a more athletic big man and a greater rim-protector in Wright. This is another step into the “Wright” direction that the Grizz have been wanting to take, especially in the age where “small ball” tends to be the winning recipe around the league.

While Barnes and Wright should be two great pickups for M-Town, their biggest “move” was not really a move, but rather a “stay.” Big Spain A.K.A. Marc Gasol has been re-signed to a maximum contract of five years with the Grizzlies. This was by far the best news Grizz Nation could have received this summer. Marc is back for more–much more–and is looking to be even more of a leader than ever before. He thoroughly believes that he can bring a world championship to Beale Street.

Though rookies selected from the 2015 NBA Draft do not look to make a massive impact for any teams in the Southwest Division in 2015-16, Free-Agency has had a completely different effect on next seasons’ outlook. Between signings, re-signings, and trades, the Southwest looks to be the most competitive division in the entire NBA. Matchups certainly will NOT disappoint.

Memphis truly has the firepower to win the division. They did this past season, too, but eventually fell just shy of their goal. This looks to be their year. Finally.

The Grizz could still sign another cheap veteran if someone on their radar would sign for the minimum amount. There is plenty of time for this to happen since training camp is over two months away.

Readers: which team do you think will emerge from the pack to win the Southwest Division title next year? Share your thoughts with us by leaving a comment or starting a conversation with us on our Twitter account.

Continue to check Beale Street Bears on a daily basis for the latest news, rumors, and other offseason info regarding your Memphis Grizzlies!

Go Grizz!

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