With four important free agents entering the market, the Memphis Grizzlies are in for an interesting offseason. How must they prioritize their summer?
The Memphis Grizzlies made it to the playoffs for the seventh consecutive season but experienced yet another really exit. Now, they enter a crossroads.
Their brand of “Grit ‘n’ Grind” basically has brought them plenty of success in recent year. It’s truly became the driving force of their playoff run. However, both Zach Randolph and Tony Allen are entering free agency. While the heart says “bring them back,” their deficiencies force the Grizzlies to slow their horses. The former can score in the post and rebound with the best of them, but he doesn’t do much outside of that. The latter is everything you’d want from a “3-and-D” wing – if you took out the “3.” He can play lockdown defense but can’t shoot at all. With age, that defense is bound to decline.
In addition, Vince Carter and JaMychal Green – both integral parts to the Grizzlies’ success – will enter free agency as well. One is 40 years old, and the other is bound for a massive pay raise.
The Memphis Grizzlies are stuck between sticking to success and developing their young talent.
After a few years of having a lack of young talent, the Grizzlies have a few players that could potentially become contributors on this team. Andrew Harrison and Wayne Selden showed glimpses of what they could do in the playoffs. Wade Baldwin is as raw and athletic as they come. If he could improve his shooting and decision-making, he could be the perfect apprentice under Mike Conley. Then, they have Deyonta Davis, a young center who has received praise from Marc Gasol:
marc gasol talking about deyonta davis #WeGotOne pic.twitter.com/FAvVlDnIAR
— Chip Williams (@chipwilliamsjr) March 22, 2017
Now, with that being said, the Grizzlies are in for a tough offseason. Do they lean towards familiarity? Or, do they move on from the GNG?