Big Pussy Adds Excitement to the Grizzlies

I was lucky enough to witness Fratello's last game live at the Fedex forum. It was almost as depressing as Season 6 of the Sopranos. Luckily, Big Pussy aka Tony Barone has turned the Grizzlies into what I throught they'd be when I challenged just about every sports writer's prediction.

If only Fratello had lasted two more games, the Grizzlies could've blamed the first 32 games on the new ball.

The difference we've already seen is a testement to Fratello impact on the team. While Fratello is a great coach, his style clearly wasn't working.

After three games almost everyone is performing significantly better than before. (Gasol was doing well both before and after.) Miller, who was effective from three before, is incredible now. Stoudemire and Atkins are actually accumulating assists. Rudy Gay looks more like a steal and less like Patrick O'Bryant.

Stromile Swift is even showing promise after so many years of disappointment. Granted it's early, and the Grizzlies still probably won't win many games. They're playing like a team, and it's exciting to watch.

The only downside is that Hakim Warrick seems to have become somewhat lost in the shuffle. Hopefully, he'll carve out a role where he can contribute. Otherwise, I'd bet on him being traded during the summer. He's a steal with his contract, so I'd vote for finding significant minutes for him.

It's clear that coaching the Grizzlies is a better job right now.