NBA Preview 2013-2014 Season: Memphis Grizzlies
Last Season: 56-26 (Finished 5th in the Western Conference)
Prediction: 54-28
Key Losses: No Key Losses
Notable Free Agent Signings: SF/SG Mike Miller and SF Tony Allen
The Memphis Grizzlies haven’t done too much with their roster this off-season; in fact, they’ve barely done anything at all, making only two significant signings since early July. Given the emergence of the Houston Rockets as a title contender in the Western conference and the probable decline of the Denver Nuggets, I believe that the Grizzlies will still win 50+ games and secure a four or five seed in the Western conference by the end of the regular season.
The addition of Mike Miller will undoubtedly help the Grizzlies’ three-point shooting, as they ranked dead last in the league in three-point field goals made and attempted last season. Miller is an elite shooter from beyond the arc and has proven it time and time again, with his clutch shooting during his time with the Miami Heat and Minnesota Timberwolves.
Miller’s presence on the team will increase the number of three-pointers taken a game and could have a positive impact on the teams overall three-point percentage as well. Another good thing about the Miller signing is that he shouldn’t negatively affect the team’s defence while he’s on the court. Despite being on the older side of the average age in the NBA (he’s 33), Miller is a solid perimeter defender as well as a great rebounder for someone his size. He should be an excellent contributor to last season’s league’s best defence.
Speaking of defence, the re-signing of Tony Allen was crucial to the Grizzlies ability to maintain their high level of defence for the upcoming season. Considered by many to be one of the top three perimeter defenders in the league, if not the best one, Allen is a physical specimen who is capable of locking down any wing player in the league. He led the team last season in steals (two per game) while averaging close to seven rebounds a game as well (a very impressive number for a guard). In addition to his defensive contributions, Allen was a double-digit scorer for Memphis last season and has the potential to score 20+ points a contest if he weren’t guarding the opposing team’s best player.
The Grizzlies will still have last year’s defensive player of the year, Marc Gasol, on the roster next season and paired with Zach Randolph, will form the chubbiest and deadliest front-court duo in the league. Both players have respectable mid-range jumpers, as well as virtually unstoppable post moves. Point guard Mike Conley also impressed with his play in the postseason and Memphis fans have high hopes for him this season.
An ambidextrous guard, Conley can easily finish with either hand and has a floater that is arguably as deadly as Tony Parker’s. His passing has only improved with each season and he has proved himself to be a capable floor general to run Memphis’ half-court set, as well as keep his cool during crunch time. With the ageless Tayshaun Prince pairing up with Tony Allen to lock down opposing perimeter players and the young Jerryd Bayless anchoring the bench, you never really know how good the Grizzlies are going to be. But you know they’re going to be good.