Year of the Grizz? Memphis Grizzlies 07-08 NBA Season Preview

I've been a Grizzlies fan since day one, way back when the Grizz played in Vancouver and they had "Big Country" Bryant Reeves in the lineup. Obviously, Memphis/Vancouver has been perhaps the biggest NBA franchise disaster ever, but Grizzlies fans such as myself have always tried to remain optimistic about the situation. And when Jerry West came over from Los Angeles to help the team a few years ago, I was even more confident. Although Memphis has had a little bit of success, there is more to be done. And a year after a complete meltdown, I'm confident that this year could be a strong comeback for the Grizz.

So what should you expect as a Grizzlies fan this season? Who are the men who will lead the team? What games are key, and more importantly, how far will they go? That's what I'll look into in this piece.

The veteran that leads this team is Damon Stoudamire, who has played with several NBA teams over 12 seasons. Stoudamire has had a somewhat underwhelming career, but he is a pretty smart playcaller who can lead a team. Stoudamire has suffered through some injuries, and this is what worries me the most. Last season, Damon only averaged 7.5 points per game, after averaging in double figures the previous three seasons. The good news is that his assists went up a little bit, but Damon must score more if Memphis is to do well. He is the captain of that team, and he must put up better numbers.

The anchor of this team, however, is without a doubt the sizzling Spaniard Pau Gasol. The 7 footer averaged nearly 21 points a game last year, and is truly the MVP of this team. He also averaged nearly 10 rebounds a game last season, so his presence on the court is vital to the Grizzlies' success. Injuries have also bothered Gasol, who suffered a slight groin injury during the preseason. If Gasol stays healthy and plays to his potential, Memphis has a fighting chance to winning its division.