2009-10 Record: 40-42
Additions: Tony Allen (FA), Damien Wilkins (FA), Grevis Vasquez (Draft), Xavier Henry (Draft)
Subtractions: Steven Hunter, Ronnie Brewer, Marcus Williams, Jamaal Tinsley, Lester Hudson
The Grizzlies overcame Allen Iverson drama and a poor start at the beginning of last year to almost reach .500 for the first time since 2006, Pau Gasol's last full season with the team. It was largely in part to an All-Star caliber year from Zach Randolph, who waited until summer to get into trouble with the law, a big improvement in sophomore Marc Gasol, and the relative health of Memphis' starting lineup, with only Gasol not hitting the 80 games played part, and all 5 starters had at least 2500 minutes played (Randolph, Mayo and Gay had over 3000).
The Grizzlies took a lot of flak last year for drafting Connecticut's Hasheem Thabeet with the 2nd pick last year, and with the talent that was drafted behind him (Tyreke Evans, Stephen Curry, Brandon Jennings to name a few), combined with the fact that Marc Gasol is quickly becoming one of the better centers in the league, make the decision look even poorer. Thabeet showed flashes of why Memphis drafted him, fielding a good Rebound rate, and having a stellar block rate of 7.7%. Hasheem will definitely have to improve on his fouling rate though, as he averaged more than 6 in 36 minutes.
The Grizzlies got some more flak regarding the draft this year, but this time it wasn't over who they selected, as Henry and Vasquez were widely thought of as good selections, but instead the fact that the Grizzlies were giving them performance based contracts. The Grizzlies finally relented last month, but not before Heisley's image as an owner was tarnished even more. Memphis is probably near the bottom of most free agents wish lists.
Another perplexing decision made by the Grizzlies this summer was to extend a max contract to Rudy Gay, a player that likely isn't even the best player on his own team, although he is pretty good and might make an All-Star game or two in the future. Still, he was a restricted free agent and the Grizzlies could have simply waited for an offer to come in to match it. The end result might have been the same, but at least that way they could've locked him up for cheaper. As its situated right now, he's not worth his contract.
Memphis' big weakness last year was their bench, with Sam Young being the only meaningful contributor. The Grizz managed to shore that weakness up a little bit this offseason by getting Henry and Vasquez in the draft, as well as signing Tony Allen, the defensive stopper they needed (both Gay and Mayo are poor defenders on the perimeter). Memphis also was dead last in the league in assists with only 18.8 a game last year, mostly due to the fact that Mayo, Gay and Randolph are all high usage scorers who look to put the ball in the basket as soon as possible. Mike Conley hasn't been able to change this, and this could be his last year in a Grizzlies uniform.
The Grizzlies were an elite rebounding team last year thanks to Randolph and Gasol, and they look to continue dominating that category for a while. They could still really use some bench depth, and I have doubts on them performing like they did last year. Gay could resort back to his selfish ways now that he's locked up in his nice contract, although Zach Randolph might look to replicate last year's effort being in a contract year. Memphis' success hinges a lot on Marc Gasol and if he can remain healthy this whole year. I don't see playoffs with this team for Memphis, and with a stingy owner like Heisley, I don't think any big trades for help are likely to happen.
Projected Win Range: 35-40
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