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Analyzing the Memphis Grizzlies’ Western Conference foes

By Parker Fleming

Feb 6, 2016; Memphis, TN, USA; Memphis Grizzlies center Marc Gasol (33) shoots in the second quarter as Dallas Mavericks forward Dirk Nowitzki (41) defends at FedExForum. Mandatory Credit: Nelson Chenault-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 6, 2016; Memphis, TN, USA; Memphis Grizzlies center Marc Gasol (33) shoots in the second quarter as Dallas Mavericks forward Dirk Nowitzki (41) defends at FedExForum. Mandatory Credit: Nelson Chenault-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jan 30, 2016; Memphis, TN, USA; Memphis Grizzlies center Marc Gasol (33) and Sacramento Kings center DeMarcus Cousins (15) fight for the ball during the second half at FedExForum. Memphis Grizzlies defeated the Sacramento Kings 121-117. Mandatory Credit: Justin Ford-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 30, 2016; Memphis, TN, USA; Memphis Grizzlies center Marc Gasol (33) and Sacramento Kings center DeMarcus Cousins (15) fight for the ball during the second half at FedExForum. Memphis Grizzlies defeated the Sacramento Kings 121-117. Mandatory Credit: Justin Ford-USA TODAY Sports /

13. Sacramento Kings

Overview:

This offseason was a Sacramento Kings-like summer for the Sacramento Kings. They hired former Memphis Grizzlies head coach Dave Joerger. They drafted two centers, when they already have DeMarcus Cousins, Kosta Koufos and Willy Cauley-Stein, in Georgios Papagiannis (#13) and Skal Labissiere (#28). In addition, they signed Ty Lawson, Matt Barnes and Arron Affalo. On any contending team, these are outstanding moves, but for the Kings, it’s head-scratching. This season is bound to be a cluster, and they should look at unloading stars DeMarcus Cousins and Rudy Gay so that they can rebuild this team.

How the Memphis Grizzlies Could Win:

Chemistry and Point Guard Play

The Kings have been the model team for inconsistency. On the other hand, the Memphis Grizzlies have been a playoff team with the same core for the past six seasons. Adding Chandler Parsons makes strengthens their chemistry, making life easier for the rest of the “Core Four.”

Darren Collision or Ty Lawson will more than likely be the starting point guard for the Sacramento Kings. Last season, against the Kings, Mike Conley averaged 15.3 points and 6.0 assists on 63.0% shooting from the field. With a higher usage rate, Conley should exploit this match-up and lead the Memphis Grizzlies to victory.

How the Memphis Grizzlies Could Struggle:

DeMarcus Cousins, Rudy Gay, and Dave Joerger

DeMarcus Cousins is arguably the best center in the league. With an expanded shooting touch, he has become more dangerous. Any night he goes off almost ensures a win for the Sacramento Kings.

Former Grizzly Rudy Gay is still a quality 20-point per game small forward. If he can ease the scoring load for DeMarcus Cousins, it’ll be very hard to stop this duo.

Dave Joerger knows this Memphis Grizzlies team better than any other coach in the league. If he can capitalize on their weaknesses, he’ll give his old team fits all season.

Projected Record: 30-52

Next: 12. New Orleans Pelicans

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