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5 Offseason Priorities for the Memphis Grizzlies

By Parker Fleming

Apr 24, 2016; Memphis, TN, USA; Memphis Grizzlies forward Zach Randolph (50) and guard Vince Carter (15) during the first half against the San Antonio Spurs in game four of the first round of the NBA Playoffs at FedExForum. Mandatory Credit: Justin Ford-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 24, 2016; Memphis, TN, USA; Memphis Grizzlies forward Zach Randolph (50) and guard Vince Carter (15) during the first half against the San Antonio Spurs in game four of the first round of the NBA Playoffs at FedExForum. Mandatory Credit: Justin Ford-USA TODAY Sports /
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Dec 11, 2015; Memphis, TN, USA; Memphis Grizzlies guard Mike Conley (11) and center Marc Gasol (33) look on during the second half against the Charlotte Hornets at FedExForum. The Hornets won 123-99. Mandatory Credit: Justin Ford-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 11, 2015; Memphis, TN, USA; Memphis Grizzlies guard Mike Conley (11) and center Marc Gasol (33) look on during the second half against the Charlotte Hornets at FedExForum. The Hornets won 123-99. Mandatory Credit: Justin Ford-USA TODAY Sports /

4. Build a Good Supporting Cast for Gasol and Conley

While many believe Zach Randolph and Tony Allen are a part of the Grizzlies’ core, ultimately Mike Conley and Marc Gasol are the guys the Grizzlies will build around to be in title contention through their contracts.

Of the Grizzlies’ free agents, the role players worth keeping to re-tool for another deep playoff run will be Lance Stephenson, Xavier Munford, JaMychal Green and Matt Barnes. Lance provides the playmaking and explosiveness that gives Conley a break from ball-handling responsibilities. Munford is a cheap third-string point guard who can learn a lot behind Conley.

Barnes is an intriguing free agent. His age will hinder him from receiving a good pay day; however, he fits the Grizzlies mold. If he is being brought back, he needs to come off the bench. Mario Chalmers is a difficult case. Most point guards fail to bounce back from a ruptured Achilles. The Grizzlies, however, can offer him a contract that doesn’t hurt the team.

If he returns to form, it is a steal for the Grizzlies.

Aside from last year’s team, the Grizzlies can satisfy their needs this offseason through the draft, free agency, or trades. They need a starting small forward that can play the stretch 4. They need another wing playmaker to ease pressure off Conley.

With Green, Jarell Martin and Brandan Wright already backing up the bigs, Green or Martin developing their 3-point shot or the Grizzlies acquiring a 7-footer who can stretch the floor will make Randolph and Gasol more dangerous in the post.

Next: 3. Win Draft Night

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