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5 Things Memphis Grizzlies Can Learn from Toronto Raptors’ Path to NBA Finals

By AJ Salah

TORONTO, ON - JANUARY 19: Mike Conley #11 of the Memphis Grizzlies dribbles the ball as Kyle Lowry #7 of the Toronto Raptors defends during the first half of an NBA game at Scotiabank Arena of January 19, 2019 in Toronto, Canada. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Vaughn Ridley/Getty Images)
TORONTO, ON - JANUARY 19: Mike Conley #11 of the Memphis Grizzlies dribbles the ball as Kyle Lowry #7 of the Toronto Raptors defends during the first half of an NBA game at Scotiabank Arena of January 19, 2019 in Toronto, Canada. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Vaughn Ridley/Getty Images) /
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Memphis Grizzlies
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Be Patient

This may seem kind of contradictory to the whole “take risks, carpe diem!” mentality of the previous section, but the two can work in synergy.

The Toronto Raptors showed two forms of patience in building this contender. First they developed talent steadily, and organically produced lots of valuable assets. Second, they gave the team time to gel, let them blossom, and only when a rerun seemed hopelessly predestined, was the plug pulled.

This accomplished three ends for Toronto. First, they were able to save face with both the media and the rational side of their fanbase when they finally axed DeMar DeRozan and Dwane Casey.

Related Story. Delon Wright Could Be Memphis Grizzlies' Point Guard of the Future. light

Second, they held onto assets such as Jakob Poeltl and Delon Wright long enough for them to cultivate value, unlike a certain recent Memphis first-rounder.

Third, and perhaps most importantly, they created a relative sense of continuity. Gradually, players were swapped out, always replaced with team-oriented improvements who did not drastically alter the Raptors’ system or culture.

The Memphis Grizzlies need to give this team time to grow. Expect a few hiccups, even with two top Draft prospects in tow. For Toronto, Fred VanVleet was horrendous his rookie year. Pascal Siakam was a shell of his current self two years ago. Kyle Lowry spent years as a playoff bust before breaking through over the past two playoff series.

A franchise that stays its course — “Trust the Process” to use the common tongue — can produce good in a number of ways. But that blossoming talent needs to come from somwhere, leading us to…

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