The Memphis Grizzlies are going through a huge transition year, and with a lot of moving pieces, the Grizzlies organization is moving smoothly.
The Memphis Grizzlies going through one of their biggest offseason’s in franchise history with this front office going ‘smoothly’ is shocking, but exciting. Exciting because so many people (including myself) saw this front office botching several moves.
From day one of this offseason, the odds have felt like they were stacked against the Memphis Grizzlies. Having the second best odds for the number one pick, and falling to the fourth spot in the NBA Draft. Having a front office that was so separated in terms of direction, but hiring a Head Coach in J.B. Bickerstaff that finally went in the same direction as the franchise.
A Head Coach with the same direction as the front office, after years of having a coach with one mindset but a roster that says otherwise. A roster that is the complete opposite of what the league is today, and Grizzlies Head Coach J.B. Bickerstaff will be proud to tell you that it is good to go in the opposite direction of today’s NBA.
Believing in a direction as a franchise from top to bottom, and then building a roster full of guys that fit the mold of the next generation of ‘Grit N’ Grind.’ Drafting Jackson Jr., arguably the best defender in the draft (and he is also only 18 years old). Then, using another pick on one of the best perimeter defenders in the draft in Jevon Carter, who, if you payed attention to Summer League, isn’t only defense.
Memphis did not stop there by acquiring Kyle Anderson from the San Antonio Spurs who molds his game around the defensive end of the floor. While Anderson’s offensive numbers are not the best, he will be able to lock down the opposing teams star player, and that is something Memphis has needed since the departure of the ‘GrindFather’ Tony Allen.
Memphis did not stop there by re-branding the franchise after 13 years of the same sort of design. Another move with a purpose, and another move that represented the city of Memphis very well.
https://twitter.com/memgrizz/status/1025155325098225664
New uniforms that have roots to the city of Memphis. When you look at these uniforms, you’ll have positive thoughts no matter the look, record, or situation. An NBA franchise in the beautiful city of Memphis branded their franchise based on their city. The color, the design, all of it is based off the city.
I’ve always thought this, and it has been discussed, but the Grizzlies have always cared so much about bonding with their city. More than any other NBA franchise. This falls under the Grit N’ Grind style of play, the design on jerseys, and the way FedEx Forum is perceived from national media. They understand what makes this franchise look so great, and that is the fans in the 901.
After nearly a decade of miscommunication from the front office, coaching staff and players, it is refreshing to see the Memphis Grizzlies organization thriving in the offseason.