Memphis
Grizzlies
Southwest
| Team Rating | |
| Offense | Defense |
| 104.0 | 111.4 |
| 28th Overall | 26th Overall |
Statistics through 1/25/09
W
11
L
32
PCT
.256
GB
24.0
CONF
7-20
DIV
2-9
HOME
9-15
ROAD
2-17
LinksStatistics | Tickets
|
Category | Grade | ||
 SF Rudy Gay (18.5) is a building block. Rookies man the other two spots with C Marc Gasol (11.1 ppg, 7.3 rpg) much further along than PF Darrell Arthur.
|
c- |
||
 Rookie SG O.J. Mayo (19.1 ppg) has burst onto the scene as the team's leading scorer. Neither Mike Conley nor Kyle Lowry has emerged as the long-term PG solution.
|
c+ |
||
 Last in the league in FG% (48.0) and rebounding (38.16), and in the bottom third in blocked shots. Middle of the pack in points allowed (99.4).
|
d- |
||
 F Hakim Warrick (11.9 ppg) has been reliable. Conley and Lowry seesaw as the backup PG. F Darko Milicic, currently out, keeps regressing. Jury is out on F Darius Miles.
|
d |
||
 Questions arose about Marc Iavaroni's job security last season and he didn't make it through January. Was unable to develop a PG, team didn't form an identity and he clashed with Gay.
|
f |
||
d
Summary
The Grizzlies field the best NCAA team in the NBA. With three rookies in the starting lineup and eight of 14 players ages 23 or younger, this team in going to take baby steps. But before they can walk ...
Crawling along ultimately cost Iavaroni his job, leading to the third stint in Memphis for Lionel Hollins. The longtime NBA assistant has coached several current Grizzlies and returns after spending the first half of the season on Scott Skiles' bench in Milwaukee.
Hollins takes over a team that needs direction. There is talent on this team, albeit extremely young talent. The Grizzlies haven't shown much discipline or patience, leading to a series of lackluster showings and blowouts. Memphis began January with only one win in 11 games. Two budding stars man the swingmen spots -- Mayo and Gay -- offering a solid foundation for the kiddie corps. -- Art Garcia
Explanation of Marking System
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