Thursday, May 17, 2007

Adding a Superstar, Part One: Dirk Nowitzki

The first player that would have the biggest impact on the Grizzlies is also the biggest dud of the 2007 playoffs: Dirk Nowitzki. Dirk would instantly make the Grizzlies a top five team. Combined with Gasol's back to the basket game, and Miller's three point-shooting, Dirk would give the Grizzlies an unguardable offense.

Additionally, Dirk would add much needed rebounding. Though he panders to his outside game, he still manages to rebound the ball extremely well.

He also doesn't need a strong play-making presence to be good. His best seasons have been with Jason Terry, not Steve Nash, so Dirk could dominate for the Grizzlies even though Damon Stoudemire and Chucky Atkins aren't All Star play makers.

Anyone who saw this year's playoffs knows that Dirk wouldn't lead the Grizzlies to a championship. Still, Dirk would easily get them to the playoffs, and out of the first round. With Gasol in the post, the Grizzlies might even have a better shot at beating the Warriors (though the Mavs still probably match up better against the Suns, Spurs, and Pistons).

The probably wouldn't have won 67 games, but with Dirk, the Grizzlies would have been a top team.

3 comments:

Placentasaurus said...

Wow, w/ mike miller, dirk, and Pau, they would have absolutely no Defense at all. that would be awesome

the butler said...

Don't get me wrong, of course Dirk would help Memphis, but isn't he signed w/ Dallas until 2011 or something?

David Jones said...

Yeah, these aren't meant to present llikely or possible scenarios...only raise pointless 'what if?'s.

All constraints aside, who are the 5 players who would have the biggest impact on the Grizzlies?

I think Dirk is #5.