So how about those Grizzlies?

[seshomoru]

Just won their fourth in a row without Z-Bo. Two of those were against the Knicks and Bulls.

/plenty of room on the 7-6 bandwagon for all you 14-4 suicidals
//less stress
///big Gay dunks
////Fat Guy that hustles.... and doesn't grow strange neck beards

 

[dawgatUSM]

With our game on ESPN3... They are really starting to gel.<div>
</div><div>I chalked the first few losses up to the fact that they were adjusting to life without ZBO and that there were several key newcomers that they were adjusting to as well.</div><div>
</div><div>I really, really like Pargo, and I really, really, really, really, really like Speights.</div>

 

[DesotoCountyDawg]

He really fits in with the team I think.

 

[PBRME]

They are really coming together. Mike Conley is quickly winning me over as our point guard. Last season he finally stepped up his game, but during this run he's been a key part of it.

 

[RebelBruiser]

Anything better than that is gravy. Then hopefully he actually makes it back within a decent timeline, and makes it back at 100%, so the team has time to re-form its identity with him on the floor.

If those things happen, who would you fear in the playoffs as a Grizzlies fan? Out of the West, I think they could take really anyone. OKC would be the only team I think would be a definite favorite against a healthy Grizzlies team, and even with that it took them 7 games and a triple OT win last year to get it done.

 

[Fresno Bob]

I've only watched bits and pieces of games and really wondered with the inside/out approach last year after he went out how he'd fit back in. More about attitude, just had to wonder if he'd try to fit in to the offense that worked so well without him and add to it or worry more about playing his own game.

 

[Seinfeld]

He doesn't have the athleticism or defensive abilities of Arthur, but the man can knock down a 15-footer so well that it reminds me of Horace Grant. Very nice pickup.

 

[Seinfeld]

but I can't get them formatted in a decent way. Anyway, Conley has improved every year that he has played and while his points are a little down this year, his assists and steals are up. Plus, the Grizz don't need a scoring point guard with guys like Gay, Zebo, Mark, and OJ on the roster. Conley is a perfect fit.

I still think the Grizzlies were crazy for passing up all the point guards in previous drafts while keeping 100% faith in Conley, but it's working out for them.

 

[JabbatheGut1]

OKC is very good but the Grizz for whatever reason play them tough, especially if they can keep TA on Westbrook.<div>
</div><div>As for Speights, I think he is playing over his head right now, kind of like Pargo early. He'll come back to earth and be average. Another bright spot is the fact that last season the Griz were like three or 4 games below 500 at this time last year.</div>

 

[Seinfeld]

but other than that, I agree that OKC is probably the only team that is clearly ahead of Memphis in terms of talent. That's no knock on Memphis because OKC probably has more talent from top to bottom on their roster than anyone. Pretty much, the only way you beat them these days is by somehow leading by double digits down the stretch. If it's a close game, Durant, Harden, and Westbrook flop and whine for fouls as bad as the Spurs and the thing that makes it even worse is that they're not going to miss. I don't know what they shoot as a team from the line, but it has to be close to 90%. By the way, I despise the Thunder...

 

[seshomoru]

However, he was a much needed (missed)piece on last year's team, and so far so good I think. All the injuries have killed the on the court chemistry, so it's still a little hard to get a grasp of how good everyone will work together. Anyway, Gay is the guy on the team that can get a shot, by himself from anywhere on the court. Marc needs a post dish or a pop for the 15 footer. Zbo needs a feed in the high or mid post. OJ is a spot up shooter. Gay can drive, pull up off the dribble, fade, and work down to the post. It's a huge asset as a run stopper, a guy who can start a run himself, or just as a guy to keep the team hanging in there when the offense breaks down.

 

[seshomoru]

Short season with a bunch of old guys means two things:

1. They aren't as worn down as they would be after a full season.
2. They've all played together for ages, which helps in a short season.

 

[hatfieldms]

I thought when he went down they were done. Kudos to Hollins and the rest of the guys for holding it together. At least so far