Just How Bad Are the Memphis Grizzlies?

(Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images)

There has always been good teams and bad teams in the NBA and that will never change. Sometimes the bad teams get better, but in most cases, they get worse. A team that has become the laughing stock to the NBA (and no, it's not the Clippers) is the Memphis Grizzlies.

I used to love them just a few years back...when they actually had talent. I even remember when they won more than 20 games in a season. That was just a few long years ago for the Grizzlies. Now, they are putrid beyond belief.

It all started back in February of last year when they traded the franchise of the team, Pau Gasol, to the Lakers for his brother Marc, Kwame Brown, Jaravis Crittenton, Aaron McKie, and two draft picks. Now why do that? To make room in the cap space? Who are you kidding, Grizzlies, no one who wants to come to Memphis in the first place. Look at Ricky Rubio to see if I am wrong.

Looking at the starting five, however, gives me a big, bold look to the future. In that future I see a little success and more failure. Starting at the point is Mike Conley, Jr., former Ohio State standout. He is a good point guard, but he's not NBA ready to lead the point.

At the two is O.J. Mayo (the best name in the NBA to date). He showed flashes of brilliance in his rookie year and can still progress and possibly be a future All Star. Next, at the small forward is Rudy Gay, the only bankable star on the team. He is an outstanding player, and along with Mayo, they have the ability to become a great one-two punch to come in the NBA. That's a long way off though.

The team's weakness is at the power forward position manned by Marc Gasol. His rookie year was sub-par, and he is going to get better. Will he ever be as good as older brother Pau? Probably not, but his spirit and toughness can only help the Grizzlies.

Finally at center is the second pick of this year's draft. Hasheem Thabeet. He is the guy you should want on your team: big, can block shots and rebound, and hard to throw around. His offensive skills may be okay, but if he rebounds 10 plus a game and blocks three, he's worth it.

Next year's team may be the best Grizzlies team since the 50 wins team. Maybe, and maybe they could even be better. For now, they may win 35 games next year, if they're lucky.

You're currently logged into Facebook

Do you want to share your Bleacher Report activity on Facebook?