Could the Grit-and-Grind era finally be over? The Memphis Grizzlies lost Zach Randolph in free agency and don’t seem like they are going to re-sign Tony Allen, which will put an end to a chapter, even though Marc Gasol and Mike Conley are still on the roster.
Bringing in new faces
The Grizzlies have been at a standstill for a while, not knowing how to replace Randolph’s void just yet. They haven’t even re-signed restricted free agent JaMychal Green. However, they have brought in a few backcourt pieces.
Ben McLemore was the first new addition to the team, as the Grizzlies signed him to a two-year, $10.7 million deal.
Unfortunately, McLemore most recently suffered a foot injury that will keep him out at least three months. The Grizzlies signed another former Kings player, agreeing to a one-year, $3.3 million bargain deal with Tyreke Evans.
Although Evans has been declining due to all the injuries he has endured throughout his career, he can still make plays and handle the ball when needed. On the downside, he is not much of a shooter, which could hurt Memphis since they lack outside shooters.
Another key move was the re-addition of Mario Chalmers. The veteran point guard suffered a ruptured Achilles’ tendon couple seasons ago as a member of the Grizzlies and has been recovering from the injury since. After recovering from his injury, Chalmers found it difficult to reenter the NBA because teams didn’t want to take a chance on him.
Thankfully, the Grizzlies were willing to give Chalmers another try, signing him to a partially guaranteed deal. As a member of the team during the 2015-2016 season, the 31-year-old averaged a career-high 10.8 points playing off the bench, fitting in adequately. The Grizzlies are hoping he can become as effective as he was two years ago as Conley’s backup again.
The 2017 NBA draft
During draft night, the Grizzlies made a couple of minor trades to get on the board in the second round to select Ivan Rabb at number 35 and Dillon Brooks at number 45. It remains to be seen if both players are able to make the final roster and if they can be part of the regular rotation.
It’s safe to say that the Grizzlies deteriorated this summer, losing two of the most important pieces to the puzzle and not even making up for it much.
However, the organization may still make a couple more minor moves before the season begins.
Roster outlook
PG: Mike Conley/Mario Chalmers/Andrew Harrison/Wade Baldwin/Kobi Simmons
SG: Tyreke Evans/Ben McLemore/Troy Daniels/Wayne Selden
SF: Chandler Parsons/James Ennis/Dillon Brooks/Rade Zagorac
PF: Jarell Martin
C: Marc Gasol/Brandan Wright/Deyonta Davis
Coach: David Fizdale
Offseason Grade: C-
