The Grizzlies Sale and Hope in Memphis

Posted on June 11, 2012 by wcornblatt

For some franchises, playoff runs aren’t the only concern, Sonics’ fans know that now more than ever. Grizzlies’ fans are beginning to understand it too, it was reported today that the team will be sold, but not moved. This is a positive thing considering the news earlier in the year that the team would be sold to an unnamed bidder and Larry Ellison. Had that purchase been allowed, the team would have been moved. Instead, Robert Pera will purchase the team, and keep Memphis right where it belongs.

These recent incidents aren’t the first problems for the Grizzlies. Current owner Michael Heisley bought the team in 2000 and relocated them from Vancouver to Memphis. In 2006, a group that included Christian Laettner was supposed to purchase the 70% of Heisley’s controlling stake, but the deal collapsed and chaos ensued. The Grizzlies traded Pau Gasol after the deal fell through, and the championships Gasol won in 2009 and 2010 didn’t help as evidence of the talent the Grizzlies let go.

Even still, Memphis found ways to improve with young and athletic stars like Rudy Gay and Zach Randolph. They beat the Spurs in last year’s playoffs, and things started to look like they had come full circle. Even after blowing a game seven in this year’s playoffs to the Clippers, the Grizzlies have established themselves as a playoff team with plenty of talent for years to come.

Their purchase signifies a changing in the guard of ownership. Pera is 34 while Heisley is 75. Heisley’s spending tactics have long been criticized, and maybe a fresh new owner is exactly what a raw and nubile team like Memphis needs. The Grizzlies have gone from irrelevant to consistent, and hopefully, their imminent sale will only improve an already solid franchise.

Grizzlies Show Mental Weakness

Posted on May 8, 2012 by wcornblatt

The Clippers-Grizzlies series has been one of the better of the first round. All the games have been close, there have been dramatic comebacks, and there’s been a fair share of mutual hatred. From that hatred comes altercations that were fine in an older NBA. Bumps, shoves, and elbows used to be a staple, but now they result in a free two points for the other team.

Last night, Reggie Evans got in the Grizzlies heads like I’ve never seen done before. He’s always been a physical pest and generally annoying player to play against, but last night, he revealed the true weakness in the Grizzlies game, they just aren’t mental champions. They have the athleticism, size and talent to compete with any team, yet they find themselves falling short in every way. Evans played a physical game and jawed any chance he got. He set a pick on O.J. Mayo that scared him into looking over his shoulder like a followed pedestrian rushing for his car. Zach Randolph picked up a technical after battling with Blake Griffin all series, finally letting his frustration get to him.

Griffin’s flopping and physical play has gotten under Memphis skin just as much as Evans position as a nuisance. Before the playoffs, analysts gave the Grizzlies a good chance to advance farther than expected. They cited their size and last year’s performance against the Spurs as reasons for hope. However, for all their talent and matchup advantages, the Grizzlies just have the vibes of a team bound to fall short time and time again. Last night’s mental lapses proved that until Memphis finds a rhythm and comfort zone, they’ll constantly be outsiders.

Western Conference Sleeper – Memphis Grizzlies

Posted on April 23, 2012 by wcornblatt

It’s easy for teams in the NBA Playoffs to find their stride. A shortened, grueling season will take its toll on the veteran favorites. The Lakers, Celtics, Mavericks, Spurs and even the Heat have had targets on them all year, and as gratifying as it is to fight for your victories, every win they’ve gotten they’ve earned.

There is no shortage of young and athletic teams in this year’s playoff picture, but for me, the Memphis Grizzlies are the most threatening. Last year, the Griz took down the one-seeded Spurs, and then put on a dazzling performance against the Thunder that fell just short. Most of the load was carried by Zach Randolph, who proved that the hype over his potential wasn’t another Eddy Curry-like syndrome. His powerful dribbles and sticky hands got him every rebound in his vicinity, only to be finished off with his strangely accurate free throw shooting. Right now, the Grizz would face the Clippers, which is a whole lot better than the alternative of playing the Lakers. Also, Rudy Gay has seemed to found his touch in a season where he’s playing for a contract.

Who in the West is so dominant that the Grizzlies can’t beat them? The Thunder? The Spurs? The Lakers? The Grizzlies have beaten both the Lakers and Thunder this season, and if there’s another matchup with the Spurs late in the playoffs, there’s no reason that Memphis couldn’t pull off a similar upset. So for my sleeper in the Western Conference I like the Grizzlies, not so much because of who they are, but because of who they are going up against and how they match up.