One season removed from a second-round playoff appearance, there are a number of key questions facing the Memphis Grizzlies heading into the 2011-2012 season. Will a healthy Rudy Gay be able to seamlessly transition into the offensive flow or will he disrupt the team’s mojo? What will the loss of Shane Battier, a seasoned veteran, mean for the team? Will Marc Gasol still play with fire now that he isn’t in a contract year?
The most important question, however, is: was last season a fluke? Fans want to know, above all else, that the team they fell in love with last year wasn’t a one hit wonder. The answer, Griz fans: NO. I fully expect this year’s team to pick up where last year’s left off and charge into the playoffs again.
First, various “surprises” for the team last year will carry into this season. Point guard Mike Conley finally had a season that lived up to his 4th-overall pick promise. Year 3 or 4 is when point guards typically make their “leap” and Conley certainly did last season, averaging 13.7 and 6.5 assists per game. With every major offensive player around him back, I see no reason why he shouldn’t play great again.
Another surprise, the play of guard Tony Allen, should continue as well. A member of the first all-defense team last year, Mr. Grit and Grind shows no signs of slowing down and should continue to wreak havoc on opposing backcourts.
Another factor helping the Grizzlies is that stars Zach Randolph and Rudy Gay will look to be one the NBA’s best 1-2 punches. Moreover, studs Marc Gasol, OJ Mayo, Sam Young, and Darrell Arthur are young, hungry, and back for more.
Finally, the condensed season definitely helps younger team like the Grizzlies. Every team in the NBA will be playing 5 or more games a week for months, which is bad news for Western Conference rivals such as San Antonio, Los Angeles, and Dallas. Those teams feature older players whose bodies are not built for such a packed season. Not a problem for the Grizzlies.
So, Grizzlies fans, the countdown to December 26 starts now. San Antonio better be ready.
Grit, Grind,
Owen
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