Memphis Grizzlies By Eric Weinstein, NBA.com HEAD COACH Sidney Lowe (Second year) 2001-02 RESULTS 23-59 (13th in West) SEASON OUTLOOK: It's safe to say that the Grizzlies move to Memphis didn't make things worse on the court. During the franchise's first year in the U.S., they tied the team record for wins and produced their first Rookie of the Year in sensational Spanish import Pau Gasol. And now they have Jerry. Jerry West that is. Arguably the greatest GM in the history of the league, West was the architect of the 1980's Lakers dynasty. Having him onboard makes things much brighter in Memphis. The emergence of Gasol was a shot in the arm for the Grizzlies, who took a risk on the unproven Spaniard by trading franchise player Shareef Abdur-Rahim to get him in the 2001 Draft. The Grizzlies also had bright spots in the play of rookie Shane Battier, as well as a solid season from point guard Jason Williams, who had career highs in points and assists. Memphis is hoping that the return of Michael Dickerson (he played in just four games in 2001-02 due to injury) and the acquisition of Wesley Person will allow Battier to move back to his natural position of small forward, and bring some stability to the lineup. The Grizzlies' main problem will be at center. Lorenzen Wright returns, and has shown promise, but he's been hounded by injuries and Memphis doesn't have many options after him. VIDEO FLASHBACK: GREAT CALL OF 2001-02 Pau Gasol takes on three Timberwolves -- including Kevin Garnett -- finishing with authority: "Gasol says 'Que pasa, Big Ticket! Que Pasa!'" 1547k avi | QuickTime WHO'S IN: Stellar rookie Drew Gooden should see quality time at the forward spot, and three-point marksman Wesley Person (acquired from Cleveland) will provide scoring off the bench. Jerry West signed Earl Watson from Seattle because he likes his defense, ball-handling and overall feel for the game. Watson will get first crack at backing up Williams at point guard. Free-agent signee Cezary Trybanski has a big body, but is probably a project. WHO'S OUT: Guard Nick Anderson was sent to the Cavs for Person. Free-agent forward Grant Long will not return. BENCH: Gooden and Swift will provide help up front, with Tony Massenburg splitting time with Wright at center. Watson and Person are solid reserves at the guard spots, with Brevin Knight fighting for time as well. THE GRIZZLIES MAKE THE PLAYOFFS IF ... : Jerry West convinces Shaq to join him in Memphis. THE GRIZZLIES MISS THE PLAYOFFS IF ... : Shaq declines the offer.		The Grizzlies' dynamic duo of Battier and Gasol will try to save Memphis from the Midwest cellar. Joe Murphy/NBAE/Getty Images P R O J E C T E D   S T A R T E R S POS PLAYER SCHOOL YRS PG Jason Williams Florida 4 SG Michael Dickerson Arizona 4 SF Shane Battier Duke 1 PF Pau Gasol Spain 1 C Lorenzen Wright Memphis 6 S C O U T ' S   T A K E "If they had somebody inside, some big men to go along with Gasol and Battier, they would be a pretty forminable group, so if they have Lorenzen Wright healthy for the whole season that would make a sizeable difference ... They have to play a lot of young guys, so they'll struggle a bit, but they're poised to make some big improvements not this year but next year." -- Western Conference assistant coach 2 0 0 1 - 0 2   L E A D E R S PPG Pau Gasol 17.6 RPG Lorenzen Wright 9.4 APG Jason Williams 8.0 SPG Jason Williams 1.71 BPG Pau Gasol 2.06 G A M E S   T O   W A T C H 11/8 Sacramento 10:30 ET, ESPN 11/20 Philadelphia 9:00 ET, ESPN F A N T A S Y   S L E E P E R Stromile Swift - Forward Swift showed some promise for the Grizz once he got accustomed to his reserve role. There's no reason he can't improve on that this season, as he'll feel the heat from rookie Drew Gooden and should respond. T H E   S T A T .229 Grizzlies winning percentage since they joined the NBA in 1995.
E-mail this story