Another season has begun for the Memphis Grizzlies, who are now three years into a rebuilding phase that could be bringing them closer to playoff contention in the Western Conference. With one of the youngest rosters in the NBA the team is sure to go through a painful learning process, but budding stars such as Rudy Gay and Marc Gasol represent the potential the organization has to be successful. Through three games, occasional lapses in defense and rebounding have hurt the Grizz, who are allowing 87.3 points per game through the opening weekend. That total actually isn't bad. What makes it a problem is the team's sporadic offense. Poor shot selection and untimely turnovers have prevented the team from putting opponents away when given the opportunity. At Chicago on Saturday, the Grizz held an eight-point lead at the half, only to see the positives of the opening 24 minutes turn to negatives down the stretch in a 96-86 loss. Against Orlando on Friday, Gay capped the team's first win of the year by beating the buzzer with a mid-range jumper for an 86-84 Memphis win. This Grizzlies team has a real shot to contend for the final playoff spot because its young roster should have the opportunity to mature and grow together as a team throughout the year. If all goes well, by April, they could see up to 40 wins next to their name. A total of 35-40 isn't farfetched, hopefully continuing with win No. 2 tonight against Golden State.
Keywords: Memphis Grizzlies, Rudy Gay
