Your Questions about the Grizzlies' Season Answered Here
With the season beginning, you may have a few questions about our new (read: same old) Grizzlies. Luckily, I'm here to arbitrarily make up your questions for you and answer them without providing supporting evidence.
- How long will Iavaroni last?
Remember on April 1 when I predicted that Iavaroni would be judged by the Grizzlies performance during the first 20 games of this season? Well, we finally get to see if I'm right. If the Grizzlies are better than expected (Imagine a 30 win pace.), then Iavaroni is safe. Given that this team doesn't look better than last year's team, I think Iavaroni may be spending Christmas in Arizona. - What's with the point guard situation?
Mike Conley is the starter. There are four other players, Kyle Lowry, Javaris Crittendon, OJ Mayo, and Marko Jaric, who can also play point. The Grizzlies will likely trade Crittendon and Lowry for something insignificant. Conley will probably average 12 and 5, and next year, we'll continue to wonder if he's going to develop into Tony Parker. - What's with the big man situation?
The first thing you should know about the big man situation is that Darko Milicic is terrible. Please do not tell me about his defense, his ability to block shot, or his 'potential'. He's seven feet tall and he can't even dunk. If I was seven feet tall, all I would do is dunk. Mililcic will never make meaningful contributions on a winning team so it is time to move on.
That means the Grizzlies have Hakim Warrick and two rookies in the post. I think you will find that the Grizzlies have difficulty rebounding and playing defense. The good news (yes, there is some good news) is that Darrell Arthur and Marc Gasol may develop into players that con contribute on a good team.
The Grizzlies still need an all star caliber big man to compete in the playoffs, and their current players won't develop into that. - How good is OJ Mayo?
OJ Mayo, unlike Darko Milicic, has the potential to be good. He should be good enough to make the Rookie-Sophomore game, and he's got a good chance of making the All Rookie Team. Mayo would exceed expectations if he won rookie of the year as there is stiff competition, but he's not going to make the All Star team this year, and I imagine we'll be asking the same questions about his potential this time next year. - Will anyone attend any games?
Yes! The Grizzlies might even sellout in Boston. In Memphis, the Grizzlies might set a record for lowest attendance in the modern era if such a record exists and 'modern era' is aritrarily defined.
As a result, there will continue to be questions about the viability of an NBA franchise in Memphis and whether owner Michael Heisley is going to sell the team to an owner that will move the team back to the Northwest.
Of course, the Grizzlies could be successful in Memphis. It remains to be seen whether they will be successful. If the goal is to test the franchise under the most dire circumstances to see if it can survive, then this season should be a success.
5 comments:
wow, that was a very optimistic approach to the start of season. Between you and Calkins I can't wait to watch our first game tonight against Houston! While I understand you are taking the "realstic" viewpoint to the season, this is the one time where we have 1) a better record than three teams in the NBA and are tied for 4) in the leage and WE HAVEN'T LOST A GAME! See how you can put such a positive spin? Imagine pulling a a miracle win against McGrady, Artest and the boys and being 1st in our division! With Rudy Gay in the top 20 in the league in scoring. It could happen! All joking aside, we are at least on most people's list for "entertaining game to see". I raise a cold one for you to nbe dead wrong this season Mr. Jones. Of course if not I always get to see the hornets beat the living hell out of the warriors tonight. I like to see that Al Harrington is already demanding a trade. Oh and it could be worse, we could have ended up with Greg "the new Bryant Reeves" Oden. I'll take 12 and 5 over him anyday.
Of course, I hope the team proves me wrong. There's nothing that would make me happier, but "optimism in the face of certain disaster" was the theme of the 2007 season.
The theme of this season is: "Please don't sell the team to someone from Seattle."
I'll sell your Mom to Seattle.
best of luck to your grizzlies, david! while we were disappointed the season of Gay Love did not materialize, we are glad to see the fruitful results of your relentless whining: the better Gasol. may darko see the light, and the pope shit in the woods!
Cheers,
The Los Angeles Lakers Organization
ps. when can we expect the shipment of Pau's 4th quarter. this was promised in the deal.
Your so cheerful
"If the goal is to test the franchise under the most dire circumstances to see if it can survive, then this season should be a success." Thats just awesome. Future seattle grizzliesonics?
¿Go Phoenix?
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