2015-16 NBA Season Preview: Memphis Grizzlies

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Memphis Grizzlies

2014-15

Offseason Roundup

• Re-signed Marc Gasol (5/$113.2M)

Projected Starting 5

• PG Mike Conley
• SG Courtney Lee
• SF Matt Barnes
• PF Zach Randolph
• C Marc Gasol

MVP

The re-signed Gasol's importance to the Grizzlies is undeniable, but there's a case to be made that Conley is the team's real MVP. Last season, the point guard led his troops to a 39-14 record before the All-Star break - averaging close to 17 points a game on a 56.8 true shooting percentage.

However, that's when injuries hit Conley hard. In addition to a severe right foot sprain, he dealt with two banged-up wrists and various other maladies. After the break, he averaged 13.4 points on a 53.2 true shooting percentage. He missed eight of the season's final 29 games, and Memphis went 16-13 over that stretch. Then came the brutal facial injury that knocked him out of three playoff contests. His postseason absences had a noticeable effect for the Grizzlies.

The 28-year-old is heading into his contract season with a jacked salary cap on the other side. It's a big year for Conley, to put it mildly.

Breakout Player

It's difficult to characterize any of the Grizzlies as a "breakout" player, including Brandan Wright - he's been in the league since 2007, and has demonstrated his strengths in five previous stops (a career 62.6 true shooting percentage and 20.6 PER). But as a great value add for the Grizzlies at $6 million per season, his uber-athletic interior finishing ability should nicely spell Gasol and/or Randolph off the bench. He's a completely different player than the man he replaced, Kosta Koufos.

Backup point guard Russ Smith could be another breakout candidate. When Conley went down last season, the Grizz turned to Nick Calathes and Beno Udrih to run the point. With Calathes off to Greece, Smith's minutes should increase regardless.

Season Expectations

Barnes' game as an agitator is a perfect fit for the Grindhouse Grizzlies, and starting him would allow Jeff Green's scoring versatility to come off the bench. Green's potentially better suited for that role, and embraced it for a stretch last season.

The Grizzlies are capable of winning anywhere between 47-57 games, which is good for as high as third and as low as eighth in the West. If Memphis played in the East, they would be a legitimate finals contender.

They do have a chance in the loaded West - the team has the same core that upset the No. 1 seed San Antonio Spurs in the first round of the 2011 playoffs. However, the Grizzlies' title window is small, and it's closing fast. In addition to the uncertainty of Conley's free agency, Randolph is 34, and defensive ace Tony Allen will be the same age in January.