Memphis Grizzlies: The Surprise Team Out West Next Year?

(Photo by Jed Jacobsohn/Getty Images)

The Memphis Grizzlies have faced scrutiny for the Pau Gasol trade, and the fact that they haven't done well in the past couple of seasons.

But will next year be the year when the young Grizzlies show up and become a playoff team?

They are a young and very athletic group with Gay, Mayo, Conley and new draft pick Hasheem Thabeet.

Conley came into his own in the second half of last season when he didn't have a backup point guard fighting minutes with him. From February to April he averaged 14.7 points, 5.7 assists and 1.7 steals a game. With a good off season, he can improve those numbers greatly.

Gay had sort of a down year from his 20 points per game average he had in 2007-08 season. He still averaged 18 points a game, which is still impressive, but expect him to score about the same next season with Mayo and newly acquired Zach Randolph.

Mayo had a great rookie year averaging 18.5 points, 3.2 assists, and shooting 38 percent from three-point range. Mayo was the runner up for Rookie of the Year last year losing to Derrick Rose. His sophomore season will be more important next year, to see if he was just a one-year wonder, or is he a legit all star player.

Mayo helps spread the floor out on offense, and takes pressure off Conley and Gay on offense.

Zach Randolph is a 20/10 guy, but has had trouble with his teammates and coaches his whole career. He does put up big numbers, but at times tries to play like he is a guard and puts up stupid shots (there are videos on YouTube making fun of him).

Nonetheless, if Randolph can put his act together, and try to play like a team player, Memphis can make really big strides next season.

Hasheem Thabeet brings a defensive presence in the post that Memphis has never had. They won't need him to be a scorer, but to be a hustle player that can shut down the paint on defense.

Expect Thabeet to be an x-factor in games, and the guy who help make stops to build momentum for the team.

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