#10 – Memphis Grizzlies
2011/12 Record: 41-25, lost Western Conference First Round
2012/13 Projected Record: 48-34, playoffs
Key Additions:
Jerryd Bayless – Point Guard
Wayne Ellington – Shooting Guard
Key Departures:
O.J. Mayo – Shooting Guard
Dante Cunningham – Power Forward
Depth Chart:
Point Guard: Mike Conley Jr, Jerryd Bayless
Shooting Guard: Tony Allen, Wayne Ellington
Small Forward: Rudy Gay, Quincy Pondexter
Power Forward: Zach Randolph, Darrell Arthur
Center: Marc Gasol, Marreese Speights
The X Factor:
Mike Conley Jr.
Conley has improved his game on a yearly basis to the point that he is now a borderline All-Star. Can he take the next step and become one of the league’s elite point guards?
Summary:
Despite having a terrific regular season, last year turned out to be a big disappointment for the Grizzlies as they got booted out of the playoffs in the first round. They are still a young squad, and all their key pieces are locked up long-term, but it still feels like it is now or never for this group. If they Griz sputter again in the playoffs, it might be time to make some drastic changes.
NBA Preseason Power Rankings
#11 – Philadelphia 76ers
#12 – Minnesota Timberwolves
#13 – Dallas Mavericks
#14 – New York Knicks
#15 – Atlanta Hawks
#16 – Chicago Bulls
#17 – Utah Jazz
#18 – Golden State Warriors
#19 – Portland Trailblazers
#20 – Milwaukee Bucks
#21 – Cleveland Cavaliers
#22 – New Orleans Hornets
#23 – Washington Wizards
#24 – Toronto Raptors
#25 – Sacramento Kings
#26 – Phoenix Suns
#27 – Houston Rockets
#28 – Detroit Pistons
#29 – Orlando Magic
#30 – Charlotte Bobcats
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