Grizzlies making a move?

It seems that GM Chris Wallace is actively looking to add some offensive firepower to the Grizzlies' roster.  It's no secret that shooting woes have been mostly to blame for the team's dismal 4-10 record.  With one of the best scoring defenses in the league, the Grizzlies could easily have a winning record at this point if it weren't for shooting slumps that usually seem to strike in the third quarter.  While coach Marc Iavaroni has also said part of the problem with the offense is that the players often abandon the scripted play for one-on-one opportunities, the Grizzlies' perimeter shooting takes them out of games entirely once they fall behind.

As far as the players choosing not to run plays, I definitely had the suspicion on Monday that either they ignored Iavaroni on occasion or he didn't know what he was doing.  I trust him more than I trust the players simply because he is in a position of authority.  Although it has gotten better in the last couple of years, the NBA game is still a one-on-one contest. The Grizzlies don't have anyone who can get away with playing like that because they are just too inexperienced.  So, they are going to have to stick to the playbook.  It's hard to mold young players to think like that, especially if they were stars on the collegiate level, but that is why Iavaroni gets the big bucks.

A month ago, I would have stuck Darko Milicic at the top of the trade list, but he impressed me Monday night.  He is also too valuable because of his size.  If he can consistently give the numbers he did against the Spurs along with his defense, the Grizzlies can't afford to let him go.  I have two guys in mind that the Grizzlies could let go without losing too much.  Hakim Warrick has one of the lowest shooting percentages of the Grizzlies who see regular playing time.  He is attractive because of his athleticism and excellent defense, so he should fetch a good deal in return.  His contract is up after this season, so he will be a convenient move.  Javaris Crittendon is going to be stuck on the bench all season unless both Rudy Gay and Kyle Lowry get hurt or the Grizzlies happen to be in a position where they have "garbage time" to give away.  The Grizzlies need to lighten up the backcourt, so dumping Crittendon and Greg Buckner would be a good move depending on the returns.

I'm not sure who the team should go after in a trade, but they need to find at least one consistent outside shooter.

The Grizzlies are back in action tonight as they travel to Utah for an 8 p.m. tipoff against the Jazz.  Utah's sharpshooter Deron Williams will be a game-time decision with an ankle injury that has cost him most of the season. He is questionable, but I have a feeling he'll try to go.

The Grizzlies must avoid the lapses that have created deficits for them lately.  They have to shoot consistentlyand limit Utah's transition opportunities.  Marc Gasol has to match up well against Mehmet Okur and keep him off the boards.  O.J. Mayo has to continue his shooting success on the road. Mayo is shooting 43 percent from 3-point range away from FedEx Forum.  If those things happen and the Grizzlies get some bounces to go their way, they will have a shot to end their road frustrations.