<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE </div><div class='quotemain'>Phase Four of the Grizzlies' offseason renovation project begins today when team officials hit the free-agent trail. They have targeted a frontline player who can provide strong defense and rebounding next to Pau Gasol. Adding size and strength would fill another void during an offseason in which the Griz hired a new head coach, general manager and shored up the point guard position by taking Mike Conley with the No. 4 pick in Thursday's draft. "We're going after a significant big man," Griz owner Michael Heisley said Friday while helping to introduce Conley. "We understand the target, and we'll see if we can get the player." The Griz are expected to pursue Cleveland's Anderson Varejao, a young, energetic forward who is a restricted free agent, while considering options such as San Antonio's Fabricio Oberto, New Jersey's Mikki Moore and Orlando's Darko Milicic. Despite his age (32), Oberto is a player the Griz wanted to sign as a free agent in 2005. But they weren't quick enough to pull the trigger and he fell into the Spurs' arms. Varejao appears to have all the qualities the Griz are looking for given that Moore and Magloire will be 30 or older when the season starts. Analysts compare Varejao, 24, to Florida's Joakim Noah based on their energy, effort and enthusiasm. A former FC Barcelona player, Varejao likely would make Gasol happy. The 6-10, 240-pound forward has developed into a solid shot-blocker and rebounder over the past three seasons. He runs the floor well and uses good defensive footwork to draw charges. More importantly, he knows his offensive limitations and concentrates on the hustle areas. He's scrappy. It is possible the Cavaliers will be in a luxury-tax situation next season and reluctant to extend themselves too far financially with respect to re-signing Varejao. The Griz are expected to have between $7.8 million and $8.8 million to spend in free agency, and Heisley balked at any notion that the team would be frugal. "You can rest assured that the payroll will be in the upper half of the NBA," Heisley said. "We're trying to build a winner here. ... I know the people in Memphis don't like losing. I liked it even less." There is a 10-day moratorium during which teams can negotiate with free agents, but no signings can take place until July 11, when the new salary cap for the 2007-08 season is set. The Griz had until Saturday to make qualifying offers to guard Dahntay Jones and forward Lawrence Roberts. The team passed on both. They are restricted free agents and unlikely to return to Memphis. Second-year forward Alexander Johnson, however, is in the Grizzlies' plans. His contract for the 2007-08 season is guaranteed if he's not waived before Aug. 1. Johnson and Tarence Kinsey are expected to return.</div>I highly doubt Jones, Roberts or Atkins will return, but if we can get Varejao and a shooter to come off the bench, I will be extremely happy with the Grizzlies off-season. Varejao would compliment Pau very well. Only problem is Varejao is more than likely to stay in Cleveland...I mean how many people leave a team that just made the Finals? Although, hes not getting the PT he probably would like. At only 23mpg, hes averaging 6ppg, 7rpg, and nearly a block and steal per game. He will defiently start if he does come to Memphis...but I really dont see him leaving Cleveland. If he does though, Memphis is probably going to go full fledged after him.
I would be happy with Varajeo, probably just as much as Milicic. He's the hustle player that keeps a team going, and he's what we missed last season after trading Battier. He would fit very well in our offensive style and would give us good frontcourt defense in which we're lacking, as well as bring some excitement back to Memphis. I'm all for it.
Yeah, basicly Wallace shouldnt go wrong with either Varejao(if he decides to leave) or Milicic...I just personaly dont think Nocioni is what we need at all...hes a good player but he doesn't solve our needs at all...
