The Memphis Grizzlies had been to 7 straight NBA postseasons but never played past the Western Conference finals.
The 2016-2017 NBA season has been no different. After finishing the past season with a 43-39 record, the Grizzlies once again had an early first round exit in the playoffs after being eliminated by the San Antonio Spurs in 6 games.
Key losses
The Memphis Grizzlies have always been a team full of gritty players who are known for their hustle in the defensive end of the floor.
The Grizzlies had already lost Zach Randolph, who was signed by the Sacramento Kings for $ 24 million over two years.
While Tony Allen, another key player known for his defensive prowess remains a free agent and is unlikely to return to Memphis.
These two players were key pieces to their “grit and grind” era. Losing both of them will surely be a hit to Memphis’ well-known defense.
The Big 3
The remaining key players left in Memphis are Mike Conley Jr., Chandler Parson, and Marc Gasol.
Chandler Parsons was signed to a max contract, $ 94 million over four years, by the Memphis Grizzlies last summer.
But the signing turned into a disaster after Parsons only played 34 regular season games averaging 6.2 pts, 1.6 asts, 0.1 blks, and 0.6 stls per game. Chandler Parsons underwent surgery for his injured left knee to repair a torn meniscus that ended his season.
Mike Conley Jr. has been a revelation this past postseason. Conley played splendidly against the San Antonio Spurs, averaging 24.7 pts, 3.3 rebs, 7.0 asts, 1.7 stls, and 0.5 blks per game.
Mike Conley played great at both ends of the floor and was one of the main reasons why the Grizzlies made the series interesting against the Spurs.
Marc Gasol's intriguing interview
The last member of Grizzlies’ big 3 made some interesting comments in the media.
Marc Gasol suggested that changes may be needed in Memphis. After nine seasons with the Grizzlies, the all-star center indicated that the Memphis Grizzlies needs to shake things up to enable them to put a serious run in the playoffs.
Marc Gasol is a three-time all-star and was named the 2013 NBA Defensive Player of the Year. He played in 74 games last season while averaging 19.5 pts, 6.3 rebs, 4.6 asts, 0.9 stls, and 1.3 blks per contest. He also averaged 19.3 pts, 6.5 rebs, 4.2 asts, 0.3 stls, and 0.7 blks in their playoff matchup against the San Antonio Spurs.
Whatever Gasol meant in his comment it will surely be a warning for the Memphis Grizzlies. And if the Grizzlies want to hold on to Gasol they might need to make moves to make them a perennial playoff contender.
