Let’s hope the Memphis Grizzlies offer a better opportunity for a win Saturday night. After Friday nights loss to San Antonio, the Cavaliers have a chance to rebound against a respectable Memphis team. The Grizzlies, 1-1, are projected to finish 4th in what arguably may be the best conference this year. Aaron Lopez of Rocky Mountain News give us some insight below:
• Last season: 45-37, fourth in division, eighth in West; lost to Suns in four games in first round.
• Coach: Mike Fratello (16th NBA season, second with Grizzlies, 612-495).
• Best new threads: G Eddie Jones (trade, Heat); G Raul Lopez (trade, Jazz); G Bobby Jackson (trade, Kings); G Damon Stoudamire (free agent, Trail Blazers); F Hakim Warrick (draft, Syracuse).
• Out of style: G James Posey (trade, Heat); C Greg Ostertag (trade, Jazz); F Stromile Swift (free agent, Rockets); G Earl Watson (free agent, Nuggets); G Bonzi Wells (trade, Kings); G Jason Williams (trade, Heat).
• Design trends: After a quiet off-season in 2004, the Grizzlies shook things up in search of a combination that will try to survive in the West’s toughest division.
• Possible fashion faux pas: On paper, it looks as though general manager Jerry West might be losing his touch. An aging shooter (Jones) and two injury-prone point guards (Jackson and Lopez) for Posey, Wells and Williams?
• Will walk the playoff runway if . . . : Forward Pau Gasol suddenly turns into Kevin Garnett and plays point guard, shooting guard, both forward spots and center. There are still too many holes on the roster.