Are the Memphis Grizzles contenders?

[All Net]

Lets face it they were only an 8th seed last year due to Marc missing a bunch of games and they still won 48 games and then took a healthy OKC to 7 games.

Are they are legit contender to win the west?

[TaLvsCuaL]

The question is offensive. Specially after 3 or 4 good playoffs runs in a row, the OKC injuries problems and Spurs decline.

[All Net]

The question is offensive. Specially after 3 or 4 good playoffs runs in a row, the OKC injuries problems and Spurs decline.

It

[MMM]

Yes they are contenders

As you've mentioned they would have been a higher seed if their best player wasn't hurt for stretches of games last season. Even in losing in the first round i felt they were superior or as tough an out as the Clippers and Warriors who bowed out in the 2nd. In comparing their track record to other contenders i think they stack up favourably to anyone not named SAS and OKC, and OKC is currently not in the playoff picture.

Memphis, GSW, and SAS are the teams that deserve the most respect out west

followed by Dallas, LAC, Houston and Portland

and there isn't much separating the first and 2nd groups

[T_L_P]

The question is offensive. Specially after 3 or 4 good playoffs runs in a row, the OKC injuries problems and Spurs decline.

:biggums:

--

The Grizz are legit contenders. Have been for a few years now; even last year as the 7th seed.

I think quite a few of their players under-perform in the Playoffs though. If they want to win that needs to change -- and they need someone to buy them a bucket when things get shaky.

[Im Still Ballin]

I just don't think they have enough offense to win it all.

You'd put them above Houston and potentially Portland, but I feel that GSW, Dallas and San Antonio just have too much firepower for them. Its a long season and I think that the Spurs will get it going at the right time as they always do. Either them or Dallas to come out of the west for me. I would put GSW with them but they are injury prone and unreliable. I trust the reigning champions and I trust this Dallas team.

[andremiller07]

They need one more burst scorer, even an idiot like JR Smith could actually really help them if they don't give up much to get him. Even bringing OJ Mayo back as well could really help them as long as they don't give up Lee/T.Allen.

[Im Still Ballin]

Actually I'd probably put Memphis over GSW

1. Spurs
2. Dallas
3. Memphis

If last years playoffs showed anything, is that the refs under Silver, like to let the games be more physical. Definately made for some compelling first round series.

[AKADS]

They need one more burst scorer, even an idiot like JR Smith could actually really help them if they don't give up much to get him. Even bringing OJ Mayo back as well could really help them as long as they don't give up Lee/T.Allen.
I think Gerald Greenwould be a great fit. He is a solid defender and could win you a few games when he gets hot.

[MMM]

I just don't think they have enough offense to win it all.

You'd put them above Houston and potentially Portland, but I feel that GSW, Dallas and San Antonio just have too much firepower for them. Its a long season and I think that the Spurs will get it going at the right time as they always do. Either them or Dallas to come out of the west for me. I would put GSW with them but they are injury prone and unreliable. I trust the reigning champions and I trust this Dallas team.

Great thing about the west is nobody is guaranteed getting past the first round. It wouldn't surprise me if one or more of those teams get knocked out in the first round. A injury here or there will make a lot of difference as well.

[All Net]

I just don't think they have enough offense to win it all.

You'd put them above Houston and potentially Portland, but I feel that GSW, Dallas and San Antonio just have too much firepower for them. Its a long season and I think that the Spurs will get it going at the right time as they always do. Either them or Dallas to come out of the west for me. I would put GSW with them but they are injury prone and unreliable. I trust the reigning champions and I trust this Dallas team.

Personally I think Dallas are getting a tad overrated. Still very good but come playoff time I think they depend too much on offense.

[dunksby]

Do they have one or two players who can score big time throughout 3 rounds? Randolph and Gasol produce but they are not elite offensively. Also Conley tends to make mistakes too often in the clutch.

[All Net]

Do they have one or two players who can score big time throughout 3 rounds? Randolph and Gasol produce but they are not elite offensively. Also Conley tends to make mistakes too often in the clutch.
Suppose depends on the match-up. I think Marc can have a huge series against anybody. I think Vince

[dunksby]

[QUOTE=All Net]Suppose depends on the match-up. I think Marc can have a huge series against anybody. I think Vince

[masonanddixon]

depends on the matchup. If they play a team with a high powered offense and strong post defense (mavs) they are screwed.

[TaLvsCuaL]

The question is offensive. Specially after 3 or 4 good playoffs runs in a row, the OKC injuries problems and Spurs decline.
This comment was a joke guys.

Seriously speaking, I have said many times that this team has too many deficiencies. Lacks scoring options, short bench, and tendency to choke. Also the best player for these reasons end the season gassed. Marc ,Zac, Conley are among the players who play more minutes and get less rest in recent years. I can't see them reaching the WCF. But they have some chance if the whole roster stay healthy.

[andremiller07]

I think Gerald Greenwould be a great fit. He is a solid defender and could win you a few games when he gets hot.
That's actually a much better idea, a scoring SF since they got two quality SG's already. :bowdown: Plus he's got a smaller salary than both I'm pretty sure.

[All Net]

Last year they peaked at the right time, let's see if they can duplicate that.

Courtney Lee has been great for them. Averaging almost 14 a game. Didn't think he would perform like he has.

[DMV2]

They're definitely contenders if the game didn't favor so much on superstar offense. Like TaLvsCuaL said, their only hole is offense.

Last seasaon's playoff series against Thunder, they played a beautiful offense game moving with and without the ball; a lot of PnR's, backdoor cuts, easy basket schemes, etc. But it was just not enough when you're facing a team led by Durant and Westbrook.

I also think they would have matched up a lot better against the Spurs than the Thunder would because how well they operate as a team.

[Anaximandro1]

Are the Memphis Grizzles contenders?

They have a very solid team, but they don't match up very well with the Spurs.

I think the Spurs are the best team in the West ... a season opening win over the Mavs, back-to-back road wins against the Clippers and Warriors, a big road win over the Cavs ...

The Spurs are missing Patty and Beli instant scoring spark off the bench, Tiago individual defense, yet they are off to an 8-4 start after playing eight games on the road.

The Spurs currently rank first in the NBA in defensive efficiency and points allowed. It's the most important thing, the foundation for a team looking to win an NBA title. And they will gradually improve on offense over the course of the season. A healthy Spurs team would be elite on both ends of the floor.


Spurs Def Rtg: 97.9 (1st of 30)

Spurs Opp PTS/G: 91.7 (1st of 30)

Duncan DRtg 92 / Kawhi DRtg 94


The Mavs are the biggest threat to the Spurs.

The Mavs always have a lot of firepower. And now Tyson Chandler, the defensive anchor of the Mavs' 2011 title team, is back.

They're scary. They are built to beat the Spurs.

[senelcoolidge]

1st, 2nd round at most is their ceiling. Every year they are hyped up. Don't believe the hype. They are hot right now to start the season. It's a long season.

[MMM]

Are the Memphis Grizzles contenders?

They have a very solid team, but they don't match up very well with the Spurs.

I think the Spurs are the best team in the West ... a season opening win over the Mavs, back-to-back road wins against the Clippers and Warriors, a big road win over the Cavs ...

The Spurs are missing Patty and Beli instant scoring spark off the bench, Tiago individual defense, yet they are off to an 8-4 start after playing eight games on the road.

The Spurs currently rank first in the NBA in defensive efficiency and points allowed. It's the most important thing, the foundation for a team looking to win an NBA title. And they will gradually improve on offense over the course of the season. A healthy Spurs team would be elite on both ends of the floor.




The Mavs are the biggest threat to the Spurs.

The Mavs always have a lot of firepower. And now Tyson Chandler, the defensive anchor of the Mavs' 2011 title team, is back.

They're scary. They are built to beat the Spurs.

I agree with the Mavs being the Spurs biggest threat because no matter the incarnation they've a track record of giving the Spurs fits in the playoffs.

With that being said does that make the Mavs contenders???? because there is a chance that the Mavs don't even get an opportunity to play SAS.

And if they do and knock off SAS does that open things up for Memphis and GSW more so than it does for Dallas???

[MMM]

1st, 2nd round at most is their ceiling. Every year they are hyped up. Don't believe the hype. They are hot right now to start the season. It's a long season.

This is the first season they are getting any recognition. Why shouldn't we believe the hype doe???

Their playoff track record is more impressive than anyone outside of SAS and OKC, and OKC might not make the playoffs.

Do people really buy into GSW, Houston, Dallas, LAC more so than a team with a recent WCF appearance. Heck i'll take there playoff performance in the first round over GSW's and LAC showing in the 2nd round.

[All Net]

1st, 2nd round at most is their ceiling. Every year they are hyped up. Don't believe the hype. They are hot right now to start the season. It's a long season.

You say like that like they didn't have deep runs..they have made the Conference finals where they beat the Spurs, made the 2nd round and lost in round one last year in 7 to OKC where they took a 3-2 lead. Not like any hype they have had they havn

[Akrazotile]

Theyre definitely contenders, yes.

[ProfessorMurder]

Their offense is the best it has been in years. Conley is developed, Courtney Lee and Vince make it so you don't have to rely on TA and Prince for scoring in the clutch moments.

Koufos is a very solid big. Plus Quincy P, Beno, Leuer are decent bench guys, as well as Calathes.

If they're not at least in the WCF I'd be surprised.

ZBo just needs to start hitting jumpers again.

[SpecialQue]

Absolutely. I never understood why people always put the Clippers as contenders and not the Grizzlies, when the Grizzlies have had more success and are a much better defensive team than the Clippers. Their offense is also picking up, better than the horror show we've been seeing the past couple of seasons. I guess the Gasol/Z-Bo combo isn't as "exciting" to watch as Lob City. :facepalm

[kurple]

they are contenders. easily. their defense will always keep them in a game, and all it takes is the right players getting hot at the right time (like Dirk in '11) for them to go all the way

[MMM]

Absolutely. I never understood why people always put the Clippers as contenders and not the Grizzlies, when the Grizzlies have had more success and are a much better defensive team than the Clippers. Their offense is also picking up, better than the horror show we've been seeing the past couple of seasons. I guess the Gasol/Z-Bo combo isn't as "exciting" to watch as Lob City. :facepalm

Yea same thing with GSW, Memphis has a superior track record and even going back to last season was a tougher out.

Memphis is back on that Grizzly, so give me their grind over the LAC's flash

[All Net]

Yea same thing with GSW, Memphis has a superior track record and even going back to last season was a tougher out.

Memphis is back on that Grizzly, so give me their grind over the LAC's flash

Wouldn't surprise me if Memphis and GS got the top two seeds out west.

[huskerdu]

They're contenders but they won't be able to generate enough offense to get out of the West.


And they need to avoid the Spurs at all costs.

[MMM]

They're contenders but they won't be able to generate enough offense to get out of the West.


And they need to avoid the Spurs at all costs.

Everyone needs to avoid the Spurs at all cost but outside of the Mavs nobody but the Grizz have beaten the Spurs in the playoffs. I would say they match up better vs. the Spurs than the Warriors, Clippers, Blazers and anyone else except maybe the Mavs.

As for their offense they've been able to generate enough offense in the past to make multiple deep runs. Deeper runs than the more offensive gifted teams. Also their offense this season seems a lot less problematic than past teams.