NBA 2009 Season Prediction: The Memphis Grizzlies

The Memphis Grizzlies have only made the playoffs thrice in the short, 13 year history of their franchise. Even though they have made the playoffs, which is always a great leap forward for a struggling franchise, the Grizzlies have not won a single playoff game in their history. What will it take for the Grizzlies to finally advance past the level of above-average mediocrity? The first step in any rebuilding franchise starts with the NBA Draft. So, what attempts did the Grizzlies' front office make to improve their chances of returning to the playoffs this season?

With the fifth pick in the 2008 NBA Draft, the Memphis Grizzlies selected PF Kevin Love from UCLA. Then, during a draft day blockbuster mega trade, the Gizzlies traded Mike Miller, Brian Cardinal, Jason Collins, and the draft rights to Kevin Love, to the Minnesota Timberwolves, in exchange for Antoine Walker, Marko Jaric, Greg Buckner, and the draft rights to O.J. Mayo, whom the Timberwolves selected with the third pick. What does this mean for the two franchises?

No two GMs have been more maligned in the past year than Minnesota's Kevin McHale and Memphis' Chris Wallace. Some say that they're more responsible for putting the Celtics and Lakers into the Finals than the Celtics and Lakers themselves. So, this trade is a chance for one of them to redeem himself eventually. The question is: Which one will that be?

If McHale is really getting in Kevin Love what he thinks he's getting, the Timberwolves have taken a big step in the right direction, because in Miller, they're getting the best veteran in the deal by far. And Love teams with Al Jefferson to provide a young, talented frontcourt.

But if O.J. Mayo turns out to be a star and Love just a role player, then this deal could be just as bad for the Timberwolves as when they dealt the rights to Brandon Roy to Portland.

For Wallace and the Grizzlies, they've got a lot of backcourt talent (Mayo, Rudy Gay, Mike Conley) but it's yet to be seen how they fit together.

What other moves did Memphis make in the draft? The Grizzlies acquired the draft rights to PF Darrell Arthur from Kansas.

What about offseason moves? There have been trade rumors circulating that involve the New York Knicks and the Memphis Grizzlies. The trade would send PF Zach Randolph to the Grizzlies for the two Serbians on the Grizzlies' roster: F/C Darko Milicic and G Marko Jaric. This trade has not been confirmed. The two teams have spoken, but there is nothing happening so far. Zach Randolph, however is anticipating the trade, believing Memphis to be his next destination.

Also, in need of a rebounder and shot-blocker, the Grizzlies turned to Iran for help. After being approved of the signing petition, the Grizzlies signed C Hamed Haddadi.

The 7-foot-2, 254-pound Haddadi led all Olympians in Beijing in rebounding (11.2) and blocks (2.6) while averaging 16.6 points in five games for Iran, which did not advance to the medal round. Haddadi, who was not selected in the 2004 NBA Draft, drew the interest of several NBA teams when the Iranian team competed against NBA teams this summer in Utah.

All in all, the Grizzlies have made some very impressive offseason moves. Although I believe that Love was more suited for the team, based on teh need for a power forward after Pau Gasol's departure, the Grizzlies did make up for it by getting O.J. Mayo, a dangerous combo guard, who is sure to really help this team in years to come. That being said, here is my projected starting lineup for the 2009 Memphis Grizzlies:

PG: Mike Conley

SG: O.J. Mayo

SF: Rudy Gay

PF: Darko Milicic/Zach Randolph (if the trade goes through)

C: Marc Gasol

Note: If the Grizzlies can manage to land Randolph, then their replacement of Pau Gasol will be complete. Milicic is a F/C who is more of a C based on his European play.

Second Team:

PG: Kyle Lowry

SG: Marko Jaric/Javaris Crittenton (if the Randolph trade goes through)

SF: Darrell Arthur

PF: Hakim Warrick

C: Hamed Haddadi

Notable Veterans:

F: Antoine Walker

Note: Although WAY past his prime, Walker contributes valuable knowledge, experience, and leadership to a very young team.

SG: Greg Buckner

Prediction:

If the Zach Randolph trade goes through according to plan, then we definitely have an eighth seed contender on our hands. This team almost resembles the Portland Trail Blazers of past years, with a pretty good combination of young talent and veteran leadership. If the trade does not go through, then this team will struggle to finish with a .500 record. Zach Randolph can be such an integral part of a team, even though he has had character issues. If the Grizzlies want to contend for the playoffs this season, then the Zach Randolph trade MUST be made.