How far can the Grizzlies go this year?

[hatfieldms]

Things are set up for them to make a little run these next couple of seasons. I think they have one of the better starting 5s in the league, and with mayo staying with the team the bench is pretty decent as well. Them being one game away from the conference finals last year without Rudy gay has me pretty excited about what they can do this year with him.

So what do you Grizzlies fans think?

 

[drt7891]

last year. It would be nice to see teams besides the Celtics, Lakers, or Heat in the mix for the finals. I'd watch more if the regular season games weren't so meaningless... but if the Grizzlies make another run like they did last year, I'll be watching, if not going to the games.

Figured I'd give your thread a mention since everyone else is so consumed with recruiting in December.

 

[seshomoru]

It became obvious toward the end of the playoff run that they were missing an important piece. They either needed a point guard like Paul or Williams, or a forward who can create his own shot. Well, the forward who can create his own shot is back, so I'm hoping to see a lot of big Gay dunks, big Gay threes, and big Gay jump shots off the dribble.

Problems:

1. the back up big man is probably stuck in Iran. Not a huge problem, but he could eat some minutes if Gasol and Z-bo get in foul trouble. He actually didn't look to bad at times last year.

2. Henry is apparently made of glass. I'm writing him off.

3. I think Walter Sharpe is at camp right now.

4. No Shane Battier. Clutch, calm, veteran and all the grandmother's loved him.

Question marks:

1. Arthur and Sam need to immediately start playing like they did down the stretch of the regular season last year. Will they keep improving?

2. Can Greivis keep getting better?

3. How good can Conley be? Who will back him up besides Greivis? Ish? Selby?

4. Is Selby a second round steal, or just another talent that will fade away?

Good stuff:

1. They started slooooow last year before becoming one of the best teams in the league in the second half. I think the playoff experience, the extra rest afforded from the lock out,and not that much roster turnover lends itselft to avoiding a slow start.

2. Z-Bo and Gasol.

3. People actually go to the games now and arebeing extremely loud,making it easier to win at home. In a shortened season, this is a precious commodity.

 

[hatfieldms]

With the short training camp/preseason a lot of these teams could possibly struggle early on with new rosters and having their players gel. Meanwhile, the Grizzlies have pretty much the same team back which could be a nice advantage to start the season. I just hope they take advantage of it