2007 NBA Season Preview - Memphis Grizzlies

Memphis Grizzlies
'06-'07 Record/Standing: 22-60 (.268); Last in Southwest Division
'06-'07 Postseason (if applicable): n/a
Coach (Record): Marc Iavaroni, 1^st season
Key Additions: PG Mike Conley Jr. (draft; 1^st round, 4^th overall); C Darko Milicic (FA; Orlando)
Key Losses: PG Chucky Atkins (FA; Denver); SG Dahntay Jones (FA; Boston)

During the past two seasons, we've really seen the yin and the yang of the Memphis Grizzlies. We saw them play with some of the better teams in the NBA and hold their own two years ago and get into the playoffs, and then we saw what happened when things go horribly wrong. Last season was not the year that the Grizzlies expected to have, but the team has shown the confidence in their players and they all truly believe that it was nothing more than a speed bump in the overall plan. There is no question that there is talent on this team; guys like Mike Miller and Pau Gasol could be All-Stars if it were not for the crowded and star-studded Western Conference. They have adequate roleplayers that can give them quality contributions on a nightly basis.

What direction does the team head in this year? Can they get back into the mix in the Western Conference? With teams rising up and getting better, do the Grizzlies have enough to be a part of that group, or are they going to have issues with keeping up. Injuries played a big part in their terrible collapse. The Grizzlies have to prove able to stay healthy. Is it back to the playoffs for Memphis, or are they just not good enough to get back?

Projected Starting Lineup ('06-'07 Stats)
PG: Kyle Lowry (10 games, 5.6 ppg, 3.1 rpg, 3.2 apg)
SG: Mike Miller (70 games, 18.5 ppg, 5.4 rpg, 4.3 apg)
SF: Rudy Gay (78 games, 10.8 ppg, 4.5 rpg, 1.3 apg)
PF: Pau Gasol (59 games, 20.8 ppg, 9.8 rpg, 3.4 apg)
C: Darko Milicic (w/Orlando: 80 games, 8.0 ppg, 5.5 rpg, 1.1 apg)