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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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Mar 30, 2016; Memphis, TN, USA; Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic (15) goes to the basket against Memphis Grizzlies forward Chris Andersen (7) during the first half at FedExForum. Mandatory Credit: Justin Ford-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 30, 2016; Memphis, TN, USA; Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic (15) goes to the basket against Memphis Grizzlies forward Chris Andersen (7) during the first half at FedExForum. Mandatory Credit: Justin Ford-USA TODAY Sports /

11. Denver Nuggets

Overview:

The Denver Nuggets may be the best young team that no one is talking about. They have a point guard with John Wall-like athleticism in Emmanuel Mudiay. Nikola Jokic is a future All-Star center after finishing third in the NBA Rookie of the Year voting. To surround that talent, they have borderline All-Star talent in Danilo Gallinari, Kenneth Faried, Jusuf Nurkic, Gary Harris, Jamal Murray, Wilson Chandler and Will Barton. With that talent, they can either develop into a top-4 force in the West or flip those assets into a cornerstone player.

Why the Memphis Grizzlies Could Win:

Point Guard Play

Emmanuel Mudiay averaged 3.2 turnovers and shot 36.4 percent from the field last season. Playing like that against a top veteran point guard like Mike Conley will not fly. At least for the Denver Nuggets. For the Memphis Grizzlies, they should relish this mismatch to win their series with the Nuggets. Denver is a young team with surprisingly quality depth. If the Memphis Grizzlies can get their star player going, it will help their chances of picking up some wins.

Why the Memphis Grizzlies Could Struggle:

3-Point Shooting and Versatility

Nikola Jokic is the center key for a Grizzlies struggle. Because of his ability to shoot (28-for-84 on 3-pointers last season) and to distribute the basketball (3.9 assists per 36 minutes), it opens up a variety of options for the Denver Nuggets. He can go big at the 4 with Jusuf Nurkic. He can extend out to the elbow and dish the ball inside to Kenneth Faried. Jokic can get Danilo Gallinari going on the offensive end as a 4-5 combo. His passing and pick play opens up 3-point opportunities for shooters Gary Harris and Jamal Murray. Nikola Jokic’s involvement and the Memphis Grizzlies ability to contain him will determine how the season series goes.

Projected Record: 36-46

Next: 10. Minnesota Timberwolves

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