NBA basketball is buzzing in Memphis

NBA basketball fans in Memphis, Tenn. have a reason to be excited about the new and improved Grizzlies team.
There was a great deal of changes over the course of the offseason for the Grizzlies. The teamed signed Zach Randolph, who played for the Los Angeles Clippers in the 2008-2009 season. Randolph is averaging 20.9 points per game, which is 13th best in the league, and 11.4 rebounds, which is fourth best.
Randolph has become a first time all star this season from his stellar play, He Currently ranks third in the league at double doubles with 31 trailing only Dwight Howard and Tim Duncan, whom are both all stars.
“No one is more deserving of an all star selection. Z-Bo has really matured and has given something Memphis has truly been lacking over the year and that’s thru star power.’ said Charles Bogard, 45, of Midtown.
The team also landed the number two pick in the 2009 draft. Owner Michael Heisley then decided to add depth to their frontline, which already feature new acquisition Randolph and seven foot Spaniard Marc Gasol, by drafting Hasheem Thabeet, A 7’3 shot blocking machine from the University of Connecticut.
Many wondered why front office chose to draft a center with already a solid front line, especially with point guard Mike Conley lacking a decent back up.
“Thabeet is so raw offensively and we are lacking the type of point guard play to send us to the next level. It hurts to see guys like Tyreke Evans, and Stephen Curry flourishing because we had a chance to get them,” said Bradley Cunningham, 34, of Millington, Tenn.
The team did however sign eight-year veteran point guard Jamal Tinsley to help develop and back Mike Conley. Tinsley, who last played in the 2004-2005 season had a rocky ending with his last team, Indiana Pacers and happily accepted his role on a young and developing team.
The Grizzlies also picked up 6’6 defensive minded swingman Sam Young from the University of Pittsburg and DeMarre Carrol, a 6’9 versatile forward with tons of potential from the University of Missouri, both first round draft picks.
The Grizzlies have already surpassed their win total of 24 games from last season and are currently in the middle of the fight for the eighth and final playoff spot.
The teams success came seemingly over night as no one but true Grizzlies fans saw them being near the playoff picture at this juncture of the season.
“ The team is doing a fantastic job thus far, Lionel Hollins has taken a group that many thought would not blend and made them into seemingly playoff contenders in one season” said. Paul Rubrum, 26, of Cordova, Tenn.
O.J. Mayo’s development is steadily moving. He currently leads all second year western conference players in points at 18. Fourth year forward Rudy Gay is starting to show signs of why front office decided to trade defensive minded Shane Battier to the Houston Rockets for his draft rights in 2006.
Marc Gasol, second year center and younger brother of former Grizzly and now Laker Pau Gasol, Slimmed down thirty pounds in the offseason and is moving with better lateral quickness and showing improved offensive ability this season. Gasol is averaging 15 points per game, 9.6 rebound per game, which is 16th best in the league, and shooting .604 from the field, which is second best.
Lionel Hollins, Head Coach of the Grizzlies, in only his first full season with the team has already shown why Heisley and the rest of front office decided to bring him in. The development of the players has shown, the team is winning games and average attendance of home games is up from 10,100 last season to 11, 500 this season.
“My dad and I have been loyal Grizzlies fans since they arrived in Memphis and it really feels good seeing success from our team especially being that we were right there when the Grizzlies were in the Pyramid losing games to now being in the FedEx Forum and bearing witness to the Lionel Hollins era.” said Aaron Clark, 23, of Southaven Miss.

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