For any sports fan, the question of every offseason is: did my team get better?
With the Grizzlies’ history of disappointing draft picks and often powerless front office, Memphis fans have become accustomed to measuring off-season success (or lack there of) solely on new additions or roster changes.
For example, last season, 2 of Memphis’ 3 draft picks (Demarre Carroll and Hasheem Thabeet) did essentially nothing for the Grizzlies during the season. But the addition of Zach Randolph, who had perhaps the greatest season in Grizzlies history, counterbalanced the lackluster draft. Allen Iverson was gone after two weeks, and the Grizzlies 2009 offseason came out even par.
This summer, the focus was once again on the draft, the signing of free agents, as well as the re-signing of Rudy Gay. The success of the Grizzlies draft is yet to be seen, but Memphis signed Tony Allen and re-signed Rudy Gay. Overall, the perception has been that it was an “okay” summer. Defense, and perhaps outside shooting, will be better. But were significant strides made?
Here’s what we forget: players already on the team have (hopefully) gotten better.
In sports, if coaches do their jobs, players improve over the offseason. If Lionel Hollins and the Grizzlies coaches have done their job, the Grizzlies will be better, if only by internal improvement.
My disappointment in Michael Conley, Jr. has not gone unvocalized over the last three years. But Memphis coaches and opposing teams alike say that he is better. See last night.
I have also said that I believe Hasheem Thabeet was the worst player in the NBA last season. Perhaps that was strong. But if Thabeet has really grown up as much as they say he has, than he will be better. Don’t see his Twitter account.
O.J. Mayo has gotten better in each of his first two seasons. He won’t have to guard the other team’s best player anymore, and can only become a more effective offensive weapon.
Rudy Gay is being paid like an All-Star. Maybe he’ll play like one.
Marc Gasol, if he stays healthy, will be a top-five center in 3 seasons. He will be better.
Darrell Arthur is finally healthy. If he wants to be in the NBA next season, he has to be better.
What about Sam Young? He was the Grizzlies only effective bench player last season, in only his rookie season. He’s hardly been talked about, but he can only get better.
These are the things I will be looking for as the Grizzlies start the NBA season next Wednesday. I won’t judge the summer solely on the play of Xavier Henry, Greivis Vasquez and Tony Allen. I will also look at what the Grizzlies already had last season, and ask if these pieces got better.
If they did, I’ll see you at the Forum in April.
Echo the Rudy Gay comment. Way overpaid as of now. Hopefully he proves us wrong.
Hey Jordan. Two things: 1) I miss you. I miss giving you the U on the Mag Quad.
2) Loved this: “I believe Hasheem Thabeet was the worst player in the NBA last season.” I laughed out loud during class.
Miss ya bud.
Grizz Life 4 Life.