Grizzlies have tools to get better

La Bomba · Apr 20, 2009

Three draft picks, salary cap space encouraging

The Grizzlies finished the regular season with one of the NBA's worst records at 24-58.

Now, their coaching staff and management want you to consider them armed and daring.

"You have to consider all options when you're trying to accumulate talent," said general manager Chris Wallace. "I don't think you've ever amassed enough talent unless you're having a championship parade. Every team is a work in progress until you reach that level."

The Griz are armed with three draft picks and more money to spend under the salary cap than 90 percent of their NBA competitors.

Indications are that their summer dealings won't simply come down to whether they win the draft lottery next month.

They are slotted sixth in the draft, and also own Orlando's 27th pick in the first round and will have the 35th selection in the second round.

But the Griz could also have $15 million to $20 million to spend in free agency, giving the franchise the most flexibility it's enjoyed since joining the league in 1995.

In short, Memphis has more resources than ever to get better.

Just add good judgment and stir.

"We have a number of directions we can go in this offseason," Wallace said.

Ask coach Lionel Hollins, and he'll tell you the team's needs mimic a grocery list of necessities. The Griz need a more physical starting power forward, plus backups at point guard, shooting guard, small forward and center.

"Unfortunately it's not like recruiting in college where you can go out and sign as many players as you have scholarships for, and you determine who comes in," Hollins said. "You have to go through the draft and then in free agency there's a money issue. Teams may pay more money than you can pay. ... We'll address the concerns and not necessarily in the order of need. When we look at the draft we have to look at the best-player scenario."

The best player available happens to be the perfect fit for the Grizzlies' biggest void. Oklahoma's double-double machine Blake Griffin fits the bill and is projected to be the No. 1 overall pick in the NBA's June draft. Landing Griffin, however, would require the Griz to win the draft lottery.

The franchise has drafted within the top five picks eight times, including three No. 2 picks, but never has secured the top overall selection in 14 seasons.

"I'll be watching," said forward Rudy Gay, who represented the team on stage at the 2008 draft lottery. "It's going to be fun to watch what direction (management) goes in and how they help our team."

Wallace said the Griz would ideally return to training camp in the fall with "a competitive hothouse where the best man wins (every position)."

He hasn't put an untouchable label on any player.

"But obviously we've got some players that it will take some stronger deals to move than others," Wallace said, adding that he's more focused on improving the team's weak bench.

"We've got to get more perimeter shooting," he said. "We've got to get better defensively. We've got to get more physicality and toughness and a few more veterans."

Ideally, the Griz would land more seasoned players who can make an impact on the court as well as in the locker room.

"Just getting a veteran who can be in the rotation and who we can learn from will be good," Warrick said. "Guys like Greg Buckner have been great for this team. I know he did a great job with O.J. (Mayo). Whenever he had a question, Greg was right there with an answer for him. Having a veteran that's been through the wars is big."

The Griz will weigh the merits of free-agent camps -- in May and June -- that will give them an opportunity to look at some of the top NBDL talent and other undrafted prospects from the past year. Don't rule out the Griz packaging draft picks or absorbing an established NBA player and his salary with their cap space on draft night.

That's what Charlotte did two years ago when they acquired Jason Richardson from Golden State.

Veterans, though, most likely will come through free agency.

However, keep in mind that Griz owner Michael Heisley's mantra hasn't changed. The mode of operation still is a commitment to building from within, with draft picks.

In other words, the Griz still won't sign a free agent unless his age and skill set match their Three-Year Plan.
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La Bomba · Apr 20, 2009

Grizzlies’ contracts

Darko Milicic: signed through 2009-10 for $7.5 million.

Marko Jaric: signed through 2010-11 for $14.7 million over the two seasons.

O.J. Mayo: signed through 2009-10 at $4.1 million with team option for 2010-11.

Greg Buckner: signed through 2009-10 for $4 million but can be bought out for roughly $1 million.

Mike Conley: Signed through 2009-10 for $3.9 million with team option for 2010-11.

Marc Gasol: signed through 2010-11 for $6.7 million over the two seasons.

Rudy Gay: signed through 2009-10 for $3.3 million and eligible for contract extension this summer.

Hakim Warrick: restricted free agent but Griz can match any offer.

Hamed Haddadi: signed through 2010-11 season for $3 million over the two seasons.

Darrell Arthur: signed through 2009-10 for $1 million with team option for 2010-11.

Quinton Ross: unrestricted free agent.

Lost One · Apr 20, 2009

Grizzlies have a lot of young talent.

Mike Conley has been playing well this year too. Conley, Mayo, Gay, Arthur, Gasol is a very promising starting 5. Young with a bunch of potential. Add that with cap space, if they can sign a star player, who is relatively young to grow with this roster, they will be up there with Portland in a couple of years.

Not to mention picks.

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Grizzlies have tools to get better

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