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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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Own Your Small-Market Status

So, Toronto may not exactly be a “small” market; after all, it is the NBA’s fourth-largest city. It is also an NBA outlier; the snowy abyss up North. A foreign culture; a different dollar; a fanbase that only cared about hockey.

These misconceptions jaded the Raptors’ perception around the NBA for years. Their Front Office openly flaunted their Canadian status as a crutch, claiming a handicap in free-agency and securing commitment from top talent (Vince Carter, Tracy McGrady).

Instead of being neutered by the same shortcomings, Masai Ujiri flipped that notion on its head. He has built this East Champion roster almost exclusively through the NBA Draft and shrewd trading. Not a single player in Toronto’s current rotation was acquired as a free-agent, crushing the notion that teams need to be a desired destination to attract top talent.

Related Story. Memphis Grizzlies Land Unbelievable Luck in NBA Draft Lottery. light

Of course, keeping said talent is a different story. Leonard’s impending free-agency will be a serious litmus test for Toronto’s viability in the market for superstars.

But regardless if Leonard stays or goes, the Raptors have cobbled a roster that has remained competitive for years, through both internal development and timely upgrades via the trade market.

The same principles can apply to the Memphis Grizzlies; one of the NBA’s more demure markets by reputation. Whether Chandler Parsons, or more recently Kyle Anderson, the Grizzlies have had no problem overpaying to lure free-agents to the 901. The result has been as disastrous on the court as it has been on their cap sheet.

Rather than continuing to bury themselves in financial burdens, Memphis should maintain their flexibility through this rebuild. Source upside-heavy players who might have something left to prove, and can grow with their young core.

Since they have lit a number of future Draft picks on fire, it might be best to explore the trade market for marginal improvements. With that in mind…

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