Predictions for the Memphis Grizzlies after the all-star break
The first “half” of the season was not pleasant to say the least for the Memphis Grizzlies. What are some things to expect for the rest of the season?
There were many different predictions for the Memphis Grizzlies this season, some optimistic, some not so much. However, few people thought that the season would have gone this badly.
By the time the Grizzlies play again on Friday, they will have had over a week off to rest and recover. After all, it’s not like anyone had anything to do over All-Star Weekend except Dillon Brooks, roughly the third or fourth best Canadian in the NBA.
Here are a few things to expect for the last “half” (the last 26 games) of the season.
Get Ready for Some Wins…
Unless you’ve been living under a rock for the last weeks, you already know that Tyreke Evans is still with the Memphis Grizzlies. Also, unless you’ve decided to wage a war on logic and reason, you understand why this is not good.
Here is some enlightening truth: Talented players make bad teams better. What a shocking revelation.
Saying that the Grizzlies should lose as many games as possible is simply beating a dead horse at this point. It has been obvious for a long time that “the process” was the best course of action. Unfortunately, keeping Tyreke has put Memphis at a serious disadvantage when it comes to the tanking race.
Apparently, the Grizzlies have no plans of reducing the minutes of Marc Gasol or Evans down the stretch. That along with an easier schedule in March likely means that they will win some games that they don’t need.
Do not be shocked if the Grizzlies play at or around .500 in March and take themselves entirely out of the top-five tanking race.
Young Blood
Even if the Grizzlies do not plan to sit Gasol or Evans, expect the younger players to get plenty of run.
In my own site-expert opinion, Dillon Brooks has the potential to be a third option on a good team. If the Grizzlies are smart (which evidence does not support), they will play him at least 30 minutes a game until the season is over.
It all comes to down to the simple principle of “knowing what you got.” With players like Wayne Selden, Ivan Rabb, and Deyonta Davis, the Grizzlies still do not know what they have.
As the season begins to winds to its merciful conclusion, I wouldn’t be shocked to see a starting lineup that features nothing but marginal players.
Sharp Drop in Fan Attendance
This one is painful to write, but it will likely be true nonetheless.
The fans of the Memphis Grizzlies are a prideful bunch who will support their team through nearly anything. Even as the season has gone off the rails, they have still ardently supported the team. However, something is likely going to give.
When a team’s performance starts to wane, it decreases fan interest. When a franchise continues to make bad decisions, it decreases fan interest. And when the general manager of a team insults his own fan base, it really decreases fan interest.
It really is just the way of things. Memphis is and always will be a basketball city. However, there is precedent for attendance declines for both the Grizzlies and the Memphis Tigers. If a team stops performing, then the fans stop showing up.
The people of Memphis know that they deserve better. And they will show it with their wallets.
More from Beale Street Bears
- Dillon Brooks speaks out after beating former Grizzlies teammate in World Cup
- Jaren Jackson Jr. puts ex-Grizzlies teammate on notice
- 3 players Grizzlies would consider trading Ja Morant for
- Grizzlies star Jaren Jackson Jr. put on blast following FIBA elimination
- Ex-Grizzlies guard signs with title favorite, joins forces with 6-time All-Star
Time to Ride it Out
The final part of this season will be a forgotten chapter in a terrible book for the Memphis Grizzlies. Yet, there is also much at stake.
It almost seems like a foregone conclusion that the Grizzlies will be picking in the 7-10 range once the NBA draft finally rolls around. But if the Memphis Grizzlies select Trae Young, then who cares?
As darkness always gives way to light, there will be light at the end of the tunnel for the Grizzlies. For now, everyone will just have to grit their teeth and ride out the bad times until the good times return anew.