Straight Outta Vancouver: FanPosts

Weathering The Storm

2010-02-02T20:03:55Z

(Ed. Note: Matt's back for more, art selection was mine to pretty it up for the front page.)

Holy Hell, we did it. We've come out with at least a split on the LA-CLE back to back. I'm assuming a loss tonight, but then, I assumed a loss last night. Still, a roadie against LBJ? Oh, hey, their point guard is out. Wait, nevermind, Conley exists. Sigh.

But, after weathering the storm this week, sunny skies are on their way. Let's take a look at what's coming up for the Grizzlies, what they're doing well, and what they need to focus on.

Here's the thing. January was supposed to be the hard part. Twelve games against teams with winning records. Throw in the Cavs-Lakers double-set, and there should have been no way Memphis got to the first weekend in February over .500. But they did. And things look SO much better in February.

Finish out the back to back tonight, and the Grizzlies have a back to back this weekend, home and away, but the SEGABABA (SEcond GAme of a BAck to BAck-courtesy of Pounding The Rock) is against Minny. Atlanta off two days rest at home and then the sweet, merciful rest of All-Star Weekend. Open up against Phoenix at home, who we know they can beat, and a tough road SEGABABA against Toronto. But then look. Miami (who's imploding), New Jersey, at LA for a loss (maybe?), Washington, a revenge game against Charlotte at home, and New York. The SEGABABA's get so much easier this month. SO much easier.

Looking at the Grizzlies' win profile over at 82games.com you notice a 9-3 mark against teams with 'poor' net points averages, and 7-8 records against the other two. Particularly, there are some terrible defensive teams in the month ahead. New Jersey, Toronto, Washington, and the Knicks are all bottom ten in defensive eFG%, a category the Grizz are 7-4 in. If the Grizzlies manage to get a few surprise wins in like they have for the last two months, and beat the teams they should (a more dubious task), they'll be in good position. With the Rockets and Hornets struggling (except against Mike Conley), the Grizzlies might be able to get some separation heading into March.

Good news:

Lester Hudson might be becoming the backup guard they need in a bad, bad, bad way.

Darrell Arthur should get back soon.

Rudy Gay woke up.

DeMarre Carroll is showing marked improvement in making the right plays and decisions.

Bad news:

Mike Conley still has a Memphis uniform.

OJAM's struggling, picking up fouls and getting a lot of defensive attention.

What's Working, What's Not

2010-01-26T17:02:29Z

Editors note: From our good friend Matt, Grizzlies convert. Read and weep, with joy.

Well, then. That makes it eleven (IT GOES TO ELEVEN). Every time we think we have faced the insurmountable beast at home, the Boys in Blue manage to stab their way back into it. That's the best word I can use for it. Especially last night, they stabbed their way back into it. Orlando builds an eleven point lead? Mayo stabs in a three to get a run going. The Magic close on Conley in the paint? He stabs a pass to Gasol for the and-one. All the while, Zach Randolph is stabbing, stabbing, stabbing his way to 19 rebounds,

So here we are, on January 26th, 2010, in the eighth spot of the Western Conference playoffs, winners of 11 straight at home. It may all go to hell from here on out, but we've got this moment to look at. So let's look at it. What's working well, what's not?

WORKING:

Zach Randolph, Nightcrawler: Zach Randolph doesn't jump. He just doesn't. His feet almost never leave the ground on a rebound. And he doesn't run. Think about it, can you remember the image of Randolph running? I can't. And yet, every time, there he is, in position for a rebound, often an offensive one. Not jumping, just out-positioning, grabbing, and going back up. Randolph's has a 14.3 ORR, good for third best in the league among players playing at least 30 minutes. Think about what that means. Randolph alone is capturing 15% of all offensive misses when he's on the floor. That's 15% extra possessions, often in easy position for a putback at the rim, where he shoots 61%. You've heard of a volume shooter? Randolph is a volume possession creator.

OJAM, Stone Cold Killer: Here's OJ's three point percentages by month: 20, 34, 38, 45. And he's taking more of them than ever. If Randolph and Gay are the two that break open runs, it's usually Mayo that starts them. His on-ball defense has improved by leaps and bounds, and it seems like he's added top-end speed this season, too. Get him in open space and no one's catching him. It's given him an advantage in transition because his vertical explosion isn't quite where he needs it to be to be elite. The speed allows him to be in position for layups ahead of the trailing blocker, which often results in fouls, a reason the Grizzlies are a league leader in FT/FR ratio differential.

Mike Conley, Spot-Up Shooter: There are a multitude of things which Conley does not do well. But spot up shooting isn't one of them. He's shooting at a 65% eFG from the arc this season, up 5% from last season. He and Mayo make up the whole of the Grizzlies' three point threat.

Marc Gasol, Han-D-Man: Gasol's just a handy guy to have around. Need a big to come out for a high pick and pop, then use the high pivot to open the offense off curl screens? Marc can do it. Need a big defender to work his tail off for 40 minutes against a bigger opponent, muscling, cajoling, and constantly tweaking the opponent to limit his effectiveness? Marc can do it (I cannot stress enough how helpful having Marc be able to go 1 on 1 with Howard last night was). Need a big to crash the lane with a soft touch for a layup? You get the idea. Gasol works tirelessly, and he's consistently faced with the tougher matchups. He can defend the pick and roll, he fouls when appropriate, and manages to do so without allowing and-ones very often and creates a ton himself. He's fifth in And-One % among players playing 30 minutes. Gasol's often overshadowed by Zach's 20 and 10 12 campaign this season, but Gasol may be the most important player for the Grizzlies because of everything else he does. At one point last night, Gasol blocked a shot, ran out, saved it, got back in bounds, then took the trap pass from his teammate to get the offense into open floor. He's the first to congratulate teammates and he and Randolph have a very "brothers in arms who no one believes in" thing going. He'd be my pick for MVP of the team.

Maximizing Defensive Advantages: The defense is bad, there's no question. But there are things it does well, which is what helps this team win a lot. Conley, for example, lacks defensive awareness to manage the pick and roll, or to recover off screens. But his length and athleticism helps to funnel defenders to the bigs. Mayo couldn't hang with VC at all last night, but matched up on Nelson, he made life hell for him in his brief stint. Gasol is tough, but not tough enough to bang with Dwight Howard. So in the fourth quarter, Gasol switched his approach, furiously attacking the inlet pass, generating two steals. DeMarre Carroll does things like saving the ball under his own basket, which is an absolute can-not play. But he also creates great pressure in full court and half court press situations and recovers amazingly well. Hasheem Thabeet can't understand rotations, is suckered in all the time, can't body up anyone, and generally sucks. But his weak-side timing is flawless. It's these small defensive plays which have helped the Grizzlies hold their last two opponents to a combined 30 points in the fourth.

Rudy Gay, Always Be Closing: As long as we're not throwing alley-oops to him with enough time for an actual shot, into three defenders, Gay's been incredible in closing out games. The game winner against Oklahoma City was as big a shot as you're going to see in this lead and he absolutely drained it. Having his athleticism and range in close situations which we find ourselves in a lot is invaluable.

What's Not:

The Elephant of Suck In The Room: This is the worst bench in the NBA. It's not close. Carroll can't hit 18 footers, the only shot he seems intent on trying to make. Sam Young has brief flashes of brilliance followed by vanishing acts. Jamal Tinsley is scared, downright scared to shoot, and can't get dribble penetration on anyone. Thabeet is like having 1/8 of an All-Star out there, which still translates to 1/4 your average NBA player. The rest barely get time. Ronnie Brewer can't get here soon enough.

Getting Consistent Stops: The defense isn't Golden State. It's not completely incapable of creating stops. It just gives up runs every once in a while that give the impression. The effort's there. The awareness and focus are not.

Down In A Hole: Here's a list of first quarter runs given up over the last five games: 11-4, 7-1, 5-1, 12-2, 6-0, 6-0, 10-4, 9-2, 7-1, 7-1. Now, the Grizzlies have responded to those runs with runs of their own. But if they were to stop the bloodletting early on, there wouldn't be the need for the five minute-mark timeout, nor the inevitable cardiac moments down the stretch. The Grizzlies need to start coming out and executing to develop leads. It's okay to battle with a team for 48 minutes when you have no bench, but there's no reason to put yourself in such a hole to start.

A trade idea from a Nuggets fan

2010-01-25T22:00:25Z

What's the available of Hamed Haddadi like?

As I'm sure is well known by pretty much everyone, the Nuggets need a capable, playable big to match up with the larger lineups in the West. I have always liked Haddadi's game, and it's pretty obvious he will never see PT behind Randolph, Gasol and Thabeet.

What would Memphis want/need in return for the guy? A wing scorer? A straight center trade?

Inquiring minds want to know.

Get Love Back from the Wolves?

2010-01-21T22:17:25Z

Hey Griz fans, over at the T-Wolves site they are pondering this trade:

Wolves Trade:

PG J. Flynn

PF K. Love

Memphis trades:

C M. Gasol

SF R. Gay

Wolves fans are reluctant to give up Love, but think Gasol and Al Jefferson would be a better pair. Minny also needs help on the wing, so there is some love for Gay in MN.

What do you guys think of this trade for Memphis? (Don't worry if the Wolves would do it or not, how would you grade Memphis if they did it?)

Poll

How would you grade the trade with the T-Wolves?

A: Great Trade!

0 votes

B+

1 votes

B: Good trade, but...

1 votes

C+

2 votes

C: This trade does as much good as harm

2 votes

D: We could get much more value for Gay and Gasol

4 votes

F: Someone should get fired if they do this trade!

10 votes

20 votes | Poll has closed

from an interested party

2009-12-12T12:54:31Z

what're the actual odds that rudy gay gets dealt this season? and if it does happen what would chris wallace really expect in return considering his history

as a fan of a team that has been on the wrong side of a few miserable chris wallace trades (VIN F"%*g BAKER comes to mind) i feel your pain on the ridiculous kwame brown for pau gasol fleecing, especially since it helped the hated lakers... but if your not going to keep gay then im assuming it won't take all that much to pry him loose too... oh and as a side bar can he play well off the bench? as a 4?

as i said an interested party very much interested in aquiring a legit small forward to play 25 min. a night to help ours guard the lebrons and rashard lewis' of the world

Lefthanders in NBA

2009-12-01T18:56:57Z

Hi,

I normally live on Athletics Nation SB Blog and I ventured this little jump to your site because I am doing a little research on left-handers in sports and can not find a place where such NBA data is available. So, I thought, who would know this better than the fan community?

I will post this FanPost on every SB Nation NBA site with the same plea for help. Namely, could you list your team’s roster with an indication for each player whether he is a left-hander or right-hander?

Thanks very much in advance!

Darrell Arthur	-	RH/LH
DeMarre Carroll	-	RH/LH
Mike Conley	-	RH/LH
Marc Gasol	-	RH/LH
Rudy Gay	-	RH/LH
Hamed Haddadi	-	RH/LH
Steven Hunter	-	RH/LH
Marko Jaric	-	RH/LH
O.J. Mayo	-	RH/LH
Zach Randolph	-	RH/LH
Hasheem Thabeet	-	RH/LH
Jamaal Tinsley	-	RH/LH
Marcus Williams	-	RH/LH
Sam Young	-	RH/LH

Trade Idea from a warriors fan

2009-11-12T02:47:34Z

Hey guys! I am a huge die hard warriors fan and I was thinking that we should make a trade. I heard Rudy Gay didn't sign the contract extension so, i was thinking you guys should trade Rudy Gay to us for Stephen Jackson, Brandan Wright and a 2nd round pick. Jack can be a 20 point 5 rebound 5 assisst type of player, and once Brandan Wright comes back, he will breakout in Memphis because they will have to focus on Mayo, Conely and Gasol. So Deal or No deal???

Poll

Deal or No Deal???

Deal

24 votes

No Deal

37 votes

61 votes | Poll has closed

Lionel Hollins Fined $25K For Criticizing Refs

2009-10-15T01:31:08Z

Memphis Grizzlies head coach Lionel Hollins was fined $25K for making harsh comments on the NBA refs during this week. The comments came after the 102-83 loss to the Orlando Magic, mostly regarding on Hasheem Thabeet’s time vs. Dwight Howard.

Larry Brown, the Charlotte Bobcats head coach, was slapped with a $60K fine after having a scuffle with the referees as well. Before the game against the Atlanta Hawks, Hollins said his comments were sarcastic.

"It was not even directed at the officials," Hollins said. "But, I was quoted, and I have to pay the consequences."

Hollins said he was criticizing because of the poor play of Memphis during their game against Orlando.

"I’ve never had any issues with officiating," Hollins said. "I didn’t have any issues in this particular game with officiating. We were down 20 points at the end of the game. I had some issues with some of our players and their efforts at times, and their execution."

Says Hollins on the fine, in a chuckle:

"It hurts. I don’t like to lose money at all. I hope they take it in installments."

Even at 34, Iverson Is Dazzling

2009-10-14T21:29:53Z

Memphis Grizzlies fans were thrilled, suddenly, after they made the signing of Allen Iverson out to the public. Iverson looked to make some changes around the team, and hoping to build a bigger fanbase for the team. Iverson looked like he could change this team from a failure, to a playoff contender.

At 34 years of age for the point guard, and listed at 6′1″ and 165 pounds, seriously, what could go wrong? Well, a lot actually. Training camp started here at Birmingham, Alabama as the Grizzlies were ready for the preseason, and the regular season following it as they were looking towards a big and successful year. But, apparently, something wrong occurred at practice.

It was reported to be something wrong with his hamstring. Iverson said it felt tight. It was, no doubt, that he strained his hamstring. When Iverson tried to fix them, like loosing them up as you might say, the legs pretty much said a plain "NO!" It happened during a scrimmage game as Iverson recalled that his hamstring sort of popped. Iverson did not respond well with the outcome.

"Frustrating, real frustrating," Iverson said.

It surely must be frustrating for sure. Just look, you’re a 34-year-old point guard coming off of pretty much the worst season of your career. You’re looking for a team to sign you and there are some, but then you say you have to start. Not so many, are there now? Then only three teams are rumored to have him and a rebuilding team offered him a deal. Iverson signs a deal and here you are, injured. Haven’t played in one preseason game yet. Not one. Nada. Zero.

Iverson has gone through so much in his career. I mean, a small guy like him getting fouled my guy’s two time’s bigger than him and he still manages to be on top and be the best. I mean, Iverson is one of the best basketball players ever lived. You’re talking about 27 points per game in your career and 19 points per game in a season as your worst season in your career. Now that is what you call impressive, real impressive.

When the Grizzlies announced his injury in front of the press, Iverson did his same old thing. No, not the "We talkin’ about pratice." Just slouching in his chair looking casual. Cool, just cool. But nobody comes towrads Iverson, and he doesn’t come towards them. In basktball, he’s the aggressive man. Like the saying goes: "Small but mighty," and A.I. sets a perfect example of that.

"You’ll never see Allen sit back and let things come to him," said Pat Croce, the former president and majority owner of the Philadelphia 76ers. "He’s always been on the aggressive side."

When Johnny Davis was the 76ers head coach when A.I. was in his rookie season, he remembers him back in the winter and was very impressed with his skills. Now Davis is here, standing there as an assistant for the Grizzlies. When Davis saw Iverson running into all those defenders, especially those giantic power forwards and centers, Davis expected him to last, but not for very long.

"But to his credit, he just keeps going," Davis said. "He is a physical phenomenon."

Certainly, a reply to that quote would have to be in just three letters: Duh. It doesn’t matter what has been going on with Iverson. Injuries will be affecting him because of his age, but we won’t be seeing his talent declining like other NBA veterans who had, and slumped very low.

Iverson can do this. Nobody can stop him. Nobody can do what he has done. And that’s what makes him so special.

So dazzling.

Magic Fly Away On Memphis, 102-83

2009-10-13T23:38:28Z

Editors note: Josh nicely wraps up the Grizzlies-Magic game.

Mikael Pietrus played a great game for the Orlando Magic, scoring 19 points while Dwight Howard and JJ Reddick scored 15 as the Magic cruised towards 102-83 victory over the Memphis Grizzlies. Howard had a team-high eleven rebounds, in just a short 24 minutes of time played for Mr. Superman.

Meanwhile, Grizzlies' Sam Young sparked with 22 points. Not bad for a rookie, huh? Other than a good performance by Young, O.J. Mayo had 16 points while Rudy Gay registered twelve. Gay had to leave the third quarter because of something wrong with his left calf, which is believed to be a contusion.

Allen Iverson could not play again due to his hamstring that was sprained during a scrimmage last week. The Grizzlies could not play their other starting point guard Mike Conley due to a sprained ankle injury. , Vince Carter and Jameer Neslon weren't available for the Magic for the preseason game -- Van Gundy chose to give his All-Star backcourt a day of rest.

The Magic showed the Grizzlies who were boss, even without their starting backcourt, as they shot 48 percent and outrebounded Memphis by more than ten rebounds.

"I thought we played a lot harder than we did Friday night," Coach Van Gundy told ESPN, referring to a 113-104 win over Houston. "I thought (Memphis) had really good quickness."

"We had great energy early," Grizzlies coach Lionel Hollins said. "We got to some different combinations and then we didn't have the energy. We started turning the ball over and not getting back on defense."

The Grizzlies stand at 1-3 in the preseason. It's just the preseason, but when the regular season hits, it's time to get serious. The Grizzlies will be playing the Atlanta Hawks tomorrow, followed by the Pistons on Saturday, and the Heat on Wednesday next week.

Thabeet's Role: Protect the Rim

2009-10-13T22:59:23Z

After Hasheem Thabeet named his Twitter page, HasheemTheDream, it seemed like he was a starting center for the Grizzlies and will be a superstar, right? No, not at all. But Thabeet knows his role when he is backing up Marc Gasol: Protecting the rim.

"Even if I’m not going to block your shot, I’m going to intimidate you," Thabeet tells The Commercial-Appeal. "I’m going to challenge you. I have to keep doing what I do. The coaches are always telling me, ‘Don’t go out there trying to do things you’ve never done before. Do what you know.’ So I try to challenge every shot."

NBA Players, watch out for this kid, he’s going to be beast. Even if he ripped off Hakeem Olajuwon’s name for his Twitter.

Defending Memphis and Their Playoff Hopes

2009-10-13T22:08:37Z

With the preseason started and the regular season starting right after that, of course, I decided to say something to the NBA blogosphere:

The Grizzlies Are Going To Be Good This Year!

Whew, now that that’s out of the way, let’s begin. Listen, I really do believe the Grizzlies are going to be good this year, actually amazing. I am erasing everything that has happened in the past, because the past is the past, all right? Got that clear in your egg-size brain? No, I don’t think you do.

You are probably one of those followers who believe what everyone else says and thinks the Grizzlies just suck. Well, that’s your problem because you have some "Following tumor" lodged in your brain. Or you probably listen to those stupid FoxSports.com and ESPN.com stories that produce the same bullshit over and over again and hypnotized you.

I mean seriously, ESPN and those other shitty media outlets have writers on their staff who are typical Grizzlies haters, and that is no lie whatsoever. So next time you say you think the Grizzlies are going to suck this year and the following seasons ahead of them, make sure the government sends you the flier up there, courtesy of MemphisBlueBears.com.

But the thing is, why do people the Grizzlies suck…still? I mean, it’s just outrageous. From what I’m seeing, I don’t see how the Grizzlies are bad.

For Example…

Look at their freaking starting lineup for Christ’s sake! You got Allen Iverson starting at point guard, The Mayonnaise Man at shooting guard, Mr. Rudy at small forward , Z-Bo at power forward, and Marc "Way Better Than Pau" Gasol. Seriously, you just can’t deny the talent on their starting five.

I mean, if you say the Grizzlies STILL SUCK with the talent they have right now on their starting five, you really need get a Post-It note and write:

Is that clear? I mean that starting five averaged 18 points, four assists, and six rebounds per game. So you still think they suck? Well, here’s what you’ll look like in about 47 days:

So please people, stop hating. The Grizzlies are going to be real good this season. Expect them to win about 38-45 games. Seventh or eighth seed, here we come!

Poll

Could Grizzlies surprise us this season?

Yes

7 votes

And yes

1 votes

Actually, no

2 votes

10 votes | Poll has closed

5 Steps to a Championship in Memphis

2009-10-02T03:15:26Z

From The Sport Count:

Allen Iverson has made some audacious claims since coming to Memphis. The latest, in an extended interview with Scoop Jackson, involves Iverson claiming that even a playoff berth for the Grizzlies would not be enough to satisfy him — he wants a championship!

These aspirations have been generally received by the illustrious blogosphere as preposterous, the rumblings of a 34-year old mad man. However, let’s take Iverson at his word for a second. Is it, in fact, possible for this rag-tag bag of youngsters and selfish veterans to take home the Larry O’Brien trophy next June?

One of the 5 steps:

1. Hasheem Thabeet becomes a defensive beast

By beast, we’re talking Mutombo levels of beast.

If Thabeet were to become the best defensive big man in the game, he’d hide the glaring defensive weaknesses of Zach Randolph. If you take Zach’s inability and unwillingness to rebound out of the equation, he’s actually a solid contributor — 20/10, even if those 20 points are at a very bad clip for a big man (46.6% over his career).

Star or Black Hole? The Statistical Myth of Zach Randolph

2009-09-18T01:55:46Z

A solid fanpost by ClippersCurse that I've cleaned up a little bit and thrown up on the front page. -djturtleface

When you type in "Zach Randolph" in google with "black hole" and "cancer," titles like Trading for Zach Randolph is Basketball Suicide, Back Hole Sun: Do the Grizzlies Really Not pass? (editors note: glad to see you found a Straight Outta Vancouver post on Google), and so forth. Looking through some of the discussion boards, you see things like "Zach i who thinks he is god, is a retarded SOBblack hole, doesn't defend, is overweight, has a terrible attitude, and did I mention he's a cancer?"

Let me begin this article by saying that I have never been a Zach Randolph fan. In fact I hate his attitude on and off the court. Why am I even writing this article? Because I believe ESPN has overblown Z-bo's negatives. Too many of today's internet writers just copy whatever ESPN churns out. These writers quote ESPN like its the Bible.

Let's check the statistics. Now, I know before I even bring up his stats, you are going to think, "Oh, sure Z-bo is a statsheet stuffer, but he doesn't pass the ball." I am going to show you stats that show you he is a very good low post scoring threat who's deficiencies have been condemned unjustly.

First of all, I want to dispute the notion that Zach Randolph is lazy. Yes, he is a piece of fat lard but that doesn't mean he is lazy. Lets use rebounding as a measure of effort. To get rebounds, you have to do either - (1) be really tall, (2) jump really high, (3) get in a good position and box out your man. Randolph is 6'9" and he really doesn't jump very high for NBA standards. So that means he works and gets in position for rebounds. Discounting his first 2 years, Randolph averaged more than 10 rebounds for 5 of the last 7 seasons.

Lets compare that to Rasheed Wallace who is a 4-time all-star and plays just a tad more minutes per game than Randolph. How many seasons have he gotten over 10 rebounds per game? 0. In face, he has only averaged 8 or more in 2 seasons out of his entire career.

If the rebounding averages didn't convince you, lets go into advanced statistics. In Career defensive rebound percentage, Sheed is at 18.7%, Z-bo is at 22.9% and over 25% for the past 3 seasons. Just for the heck of it, I will throw in KG's godly rebounding numbers. KG is at 25.6% career and had 4 seasons of 29.7% or higher during his prime. Oh, and Z-bo doubles Rasheed's offensive rebounds averages, so don't even go there.

So he is really not that lazy, but he is a big black hole on offense right? The simplest stats to look at is assists averages. Rasheed: 1.9, Z-Bo: 1.7. Both numbers are well within the norm for primary inside scoring options. Z-bo has actually averaged 1.9 and getting higher if his 2 seasons of riding the pine in Portland gets taken out. To be more accurate and delve further into passing, Randolph's career assist percentage (10.6) is actually higher than Rasheed's (9.8).

Alright. So he passes the ball just like other power forwards, but he jacks up shots and turn the ball over. Looking at turnover averages for number one inside scoring option, Randolph is again right smack down the middle. He does not turn the ball over particularly more than others. His average is the same as Bosh. Rasheed only gets 1.6 TO per game, but I would argue that he really isn't an inside force anymore and hasn't been a number one option for a very long time.

Here are the shooting statistics for Rasheed and Zach respectively: FG% .471, TS% .539, eFG% .510, versus FG% .466 TS% .520 eFG% .472. So the shooting percentage favors Rasheed, but only slightly. I said slightly because Rasheed's three-point shooting skews the true shooting percentage and effective field goal percentage in his favor. In the past 2 seasons since Randolph started shooting some 3s, the numbers have been almost identical (Editors note: Stats would actually tell you that Randolph really is less efficient when shooting the three, but fair enough.). You also have to take into consideration that Wallace has always been on teams with better teammates. Also Rasheed takes less shots and scores way less points, which should help his efficiency.

In my humble opinion, Z-bo would be a really good fit with in Cleveland with Lebron being the undisputed leader and first option. I really believed that had Cleveland courted Randolph and offered the Clippers a similar 2nd round pick, the Cavs would be the consensus NBA champ from Day 1. Lebron's dominance on the offense end coupled with Mike Brown's emphasis on defense(with the support of Lebron) already has the Cavs as perennial contender. Add in Randolph's inside scoring and rebounding, they would be unstoppable. And there would be no argument on getting more shots as long as Lebron is in charge. Now that he is in Memphis will ballhogs Gay, Mayo, and AI, Z-bo will probably nullify everything I just wrote and be a malcontent player. (Editors note: Mayo and A.I. have decent assist rates for shooting guards, especially since Mayo was only a rookie.)

I never thought I would ever say this but.. please Zach Randolph, show 'the experts' that you are a star and not a black hole.

Statistics courtesy of Basketball-Reference.

More original NBA commentary on clipperscurse.com

Poll

Is Zach Randolph a positive or negative acquisition?

Positive

25 votes

Negative

24 votes

49 votes | Poll has closed

For some reason "The Answer" does not make sense!!! The Grizzlies need to work on there math/science skills!!!!

2009-09-15T15:18:29Z

As we have all unfortunately heard, all star point-guard Allen "The Answer" Iverson has been signed to a one year contract for 3.5 - 4.2 million with the Memphis Grizzlies. He will be joining O.J. Mayo, Rudy Gay, Zach Randolph and other elite players.

When this deal was announced on ESPN I was truly disappointed in the Management and the Coach of the Memphis Grizzlies. The problem with the Grizzlies is there lack of team chemistry. None of the players bonded because a majority of them are young and want the spotlight. They have so much potential energy but the Coaches have yet to learn, how to convert it into kinetic energy. With this problem being present, "The Answer" they have chosen, does not make sense. Since science is the knowledge of the physical world and its inhabitants, I will be using the Scientific Method to help prove that Allen Iverson is not the answer to this problem.

QUESTION: Did the Memphis Grizzlies make the right choice by signing Allen Iverson?

RESEARCH:

In the 2006-2007 basketball season Allen Iverson Averaged 31.2 ppg (points per game). His field goal percentage was an embarrassing 41 percent and on average he was shooting 8-21. My next door neighbor can do that and he is blind with 2 fingers on each hand. During Iverson's most recent season he played for the Detroit Pistons where his ppg plummeted to 17.5 and averaged 5 apg (assist per game). His ability to contribute points to his team has almost been sawed in half.

HYPOTHESIS:

If Allen Iverson joins a basketball team then there record will decline significantly.

EXPERIMENT:

Before being traded to the Detroit Pistons, the Pistons had a record of 59 wins and 23 losses. After Allen Iverson signed with the team there record 39-43.

CONCLUSION:

With the data that I have compiled, I would conclude that Allen Iverson is detrimental to a teams success. His ball-hogging and low field goal percentage will only hurt the Memphis Grizzlies in the long run. I believe they have enough shooters/point guards on there team. With O.J. Mayo and Rudy Gay running the offense it was not smart to add another shooting guard to the offense, especially since he has made it perfectly clear that he does not want to sit on the bench, he wants to start. The whole purpose of having a young team is to help develop there minds and abilities so they can compete with the elite more experience teams. Allen Iverson all though a veteran can not develop the players on the team because he shoots too much and he has proven to be a bad role model, by not showing up to practices and FAKING INJURIES!!!!!

The Pro's of Allen Iverson

2009-09-15T14:28:34Z

http://www.nba.com/multimedia/photo_gallery/0909/iverson.grizzlies/content.11.html

Even at 34 Allen Iverson still has much to offer the Memphis Grizzlies. He is a prolific scorer whether off the bench or starting, not to many point guards average 23.5 points their rookie season or any guards for that matter. His last four years at Denver and Detroit has been statically his worst years but even within those seasons his numbers are 21.8 points, 6.4 assists and 1.6 steal, so there is no doubt he still gets it done. Memphis drastically needs some additional offensive firepower, being that their two highest scorers (one being a rookie) average 18 points but the supporting cast struggled 2 reach double digits. Memphis has yet to acquire a standout post player, Gasol and Thabeet have great potential but they won’t dominate the paint anytime soon and placing all of the pressure to win on three young developing players ( Conley, Mayo, Gay) is border line disaster, proven by their 24-58 record at the bottom of the southwest division. Iverson brings that veteran experience the Grizzlies so desperately desires. Memphis being one of the youngest teams playing stand to gain plenty from Iverson hunger for a ring. OJ Mayo and Rudy Gay should benefit the most seeing that a player can dominate the league for a decade but if he has no championship it doesn’t matter.

From a strategic standpoint Iverson’s dribble penetration will allow Mayo, Gay, Gasol and thabeet to get easy shots. Those easy shots are extremely beneficial when down by 12 in the fourth. His speed improves their transition game and at the same time relieves Conley from constantly orchestrating the fast break. His iso-motion is outstanding. No player in the league can hold Iverson in front of them for too long. This is something Mayo should greatly appreciate having the chance to master the art of creating space from the man who revolutionized the crossover. Defensively Iverson brings another quick ball hawking aspect to the team. Him and Conley posses great lateral movement and fast hands which will stress other ball handlers. He has great help and recover defense which is a concept the Grizzlies needs to become acquainted with in order to compete with the powerhouses in the league.

Marketwise Iverson sells like no other. Throughout his career no matter the team, any apparel pressed with the number 3 made transactions. Bottom line, his flash and highly displayed emotion sales tickets.

Poll

Is Memphis better or worse with Iverson

Yes

11 votes

No

3 votes

14 votes | Poll has closed

Getting back to the playoffs = possible

2009-09-09T22:20:26Z

The Grizz did a TERRIFIC job this off-season. We went out with a plan, and for once, executed. Wallace really did well. This is probably the best off-season since Jerry West, and that says a lot. I really feel like the Grizz have a serious shot at making the playoffs, and imagine this, winning a game in the post season.

My Home Opener predicted starters:

O.J. Mayo

Rudy Gay

Allen Iverson

Zach Randolph

Marc Gasol (Hasheem Thabeet after like 4 games)

Poll

Will the Grizz make the playoffs?

Yes

21 votes

No

149 votes

170 votes | Poll has closed

Austin Kent on Zach Randolph

2009-09-08T22:24:03Z

Austin runs a site called 'The Good Point,' which I've written for in the past. I like his insight and writing style.

Check out this piece he wrote about the acquisition of Zach Randolph, a sample excerpt below:

Only time will tell if the gamble to add offensive prowess to a team that isn't going anywhere will spoil its fruits or if Rudy Gay and O.J. Mayo contain the mettle to resist corruption. If destruction is inevitable there will be no pros to outweigh the con.

Grizzlies now have a glut of bigs

2009-08-09T03:20:41Z

Well, with the Denver trade, the Griz now have 6 people that play the C/PF position. Now, some are needed, like Marc Gasol and Thabeet, but i think there has to be a trade. WHo do you guys see as good candiates for a trade. I see Dallas as a possbility, with only one true center. Another club who could use a expiring big are the Knicks. Post your ideas and i'll post mine.

Dallas: sends out SG/SF S.Williams $2.4M, PF/C Nathan Jawai $736K

Memphis sends out: C H.Haddidi $1.6 Lower of Denver/LA Laker pick

Knicks send out: G T.Douglas $996K, Trade Exception $1.034M 2011 2nd rounder

Memphis sends out: D.Arthur $1.034

Post your own trade ideas Memphis fans and say if you agree/disagree with the trades above.

Memphis acquires Steven Hunter from the Nuggets

2009-08-07T23:37:19Z

From http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/news;_ylt=AgzhQ2taj233B.fy9vUjKpu8vLYF?slug=aw-nuggetstrade080709&prov=yhoo&type=lgns :

Denver has traded Steven Hunter and a lottery-protected 2010 first-round pick to Memphis for a future second rounder, a league source told Y! Sports on Friday.

Trading Hunter saves $3.67 million in salary and luxury tax off Denver’s books and clears a roster spot.

*****************************************************************************************************************************

The Memphis Grizzlies get Steven Hunter from Denver, who could be a back-up to Zach Randolph as PF. He's 7'0 and can play PF or C. He's a good defender and has a good shooting percentage. They also get a first round pick, meaning a possible 15th pick although it could be as low as 30th.

Memphis only gives up a second-rounder, so nothing much.

Thoughts?

Poll

How was the trade?

A: Great trade

0 votes

B: Good trade

7 votes

C: Okay trade

2 votes

D: Bad Trade

0 votes

F: Horrible! Won't watch a Grizzlies game again.

1 votes

10 votes | Poll has closed