The Memphis Grizzlies finished seventh in the Western Conference with a 43-39 record. After rallying from an 0-2 hole to even up their first round series, the Grizzlies dropped the next two games to fall 4-2 to the San Antonio Spurs. Now Memphis is set for another long offseason filled with critical decisions.
The issue for the Grizzlies is that they have a solid frontcourt with Marc Gasol and Zach Randolph, and they have an excellent point guard in Mike Conley. However, beyond that, they are lacking wing players, shooters and depth. Getting Chandler Parsons healthy and back in the lineup will be a boost but they a lot more if they’re to compete with the likes of the Golden State Warriors. The other factor here is that Gasol and Randolph aren’t getting any younger. Gasol will be 33 in January and Randolph will be 36 in July. Memphis needs to make something happen because they’re only a good or two pieces away. Here is a look at three things the Grizzlies have to work on.
3 Things The Grizzlies Have To Work On
1. Decide On Immediate Path
The Grizzlies have made the postseason seven years in a row. However, a lack of playoff success combined with an aging core group will force the franchise to decide on its immediate path. Memphis could continue to push forward with its current roster or shake things up this offseason. Zach Randolph was an effective sixth man this year but will turn 36 in July. Tony Allen is 35 and while he performed at a high level this season there are obvious question marks about how long he can continue to perform. The Grizzlies will have the talent to contend for the postseason again next year if they can stay healthy. The question is whether they want to go for it again or blow things up by making some serious trades. Either way, management in Memphis must decide on its immediate path.
2. Retaining VC
Paul Pierce’s retirement leaves Vince Carter and Dirk Nowitzki as the only remaining active members of the 1998 NBA Draft class. While neither can be counted on as a core franchise player they are both still capable of contributing at a high enough level to deserve an NBA roster spot. Carter enjoyed somewhat of a renaissance in the playoffs when he earned a starting spot on the wing for Memphis and produced four double-digit scoring efforts while averaging more than 32 minutes per game. The Grizzlies have to decide whether or not to bring back VC. Based on his postseason performance and what should be a relatively low price tag, Memphis might want to keep him around.
3. Find Perimeter Shooters
Even if the Grizzlies decide to bring back Carter they will need to focus on acquiring outside shooters that can compliment their core players. Memphis was one of the worst teams in the NBA in three-point makes, attempts and accuracy and that must be addressed this offseason. It’s nearly impossible to succeed in the current NBA environment without outside shooters so that has to be a key concern for the Grizzlies. The return to health of Chandler Parsons would definitely help in this area. With plenty of mid-market three-point shooters like Kyle Korver, Bojan Bogdanovic and Ersan Ilyasova available there will also be options for Memphis to choose from in free agency if they decide they want to try to make another run in 2017-18.
Key Free Agents
Randolph, Allen and Carter are all set to become free agents. If the Grizzlies want to contend in 2017-18 then they will want to bring back all three of those players if they can do so at the right price. Memphis won’t have plenty of room left over to work with but they could sign at least one of the mid-market shooters that we mentioned in this column. The Grizzlies are set for another busy offseason with plenty of important decisions to make. It will be very interesting to see whether they load up for one more run or shift the focus to the long-term future in Memphis.
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