NBA Lockout: 4 Reasons Memphis Grizzlies Are Biggest Winners in NBA Deal

Zach Randolph and the Memphis Grizzlies can let out a grizzly roar since the NBA and the Players Association agreed on a deal that would bring a 66-game season beginning on December 25, ending the lockout.

Finally, the Grizzlies can get ready for a season, working off the high from last season's playoff run. The Grizzlies had knocked off the No.1 seed San Antonio Spurs in six games and pushed the Oklahoma City Thunder in the Western Conference Finals.

The Grizzlies can now work to elevate the franchise from its last-place position in franchise winning percentage and advance as an aspiring competitor in the Western Conference.

Similarly, Memphis Mayor A.C. Wharton and the city will certainly greet the team with Christmas cheer when the Grizzlies begin the season. Wharton was desperate to find ways to make up for lost revenue in case the NBA lost the season.

Following are reasons why the Grizzlies and the city of Memphis win bigger than anyone else.

Memphis Can Avert Losing More Money in Lockout

Despite his 10,000-watt smile, crisp attire and smooth talk, Wharton can't maintain his popularity and win elections with his charisma. Part of the job is trying to promote business in the city. The NBA lockout made that part of his job very difficult.

The NBA lockout had a significant impact on the city of Memphis. The FedEx Forum, which houses the Memphis Grizzlies, generates $223 million annually and employs 1,534 people. According to the Memphis Business Journal, 695 people work a Grizzlies game. The nearby Beale Street business district employs 800 people in restaurants, bars and clubs.

The FedEx Forum, paid for at an 83 percent clip by Memphis taxpayers, is one of 12 NBA arenas financed at least 82 percent by city funds.

Considering the economic impact of the lockout, Wharton prepared to take action. According to SI.com, Wharton considered filing a friend of the court brief in an antitrust suit filed by the Players Association. Also, the Memphis city council passed a resolution asking its attorney to look into filing a lawsuit against the city to recover funds lost in the lockout.

Fortunately, Memphis can earn most of the revenue expected for an NBA season with the season slated for 66 games. Granted, it's a shorter time frame than 66 games in a normal 82-game regular season would be. The 17th game of the original Grizzlies schedule was December 9 against the New Jersey Nets.

Nonetheless, the city of Memphis will take what it can get and earn what money it can in the shortened season.

Young Team on the Rise

The Grizzlies will hit the ground running harder than any other team due to youth. Grizzlies players are 25.8 years old on average. Four starters are younger than 30.  

The Grizzlies will be able to handle the rigors of a shortened 66-game season better than other teams. Since the Grizzlies are younger, they'll be able to better handle a likely increased number of games played on back-to-back nights, as well as demanding scenario of playing games on three consecutive days. Grizzlies players will be fresher late in the season than others.

Also, some Grizzlies are set for big seasons. Marc Gasol should be big in his fourth season after scoring 15 points per game in the postseason. Mike Conley should be strong after posting the second most points for the Grizzlies last season.

Zach Randolph Ready for Peak Season

At 30, Randolph should have the season of his career this year.

In a contract year last season, Randolph came up big. Randolph posted career highs in rebounds (12.2) and win shares (10.5) and matched a career-high offensive rating (115). Randolph led the Grizzlies playoff push, averaging 22.2 points per game.

When one might think Randolph would lay off in the down time after inking a four-year $80 million contract, Randolph went to work. He picked up a new workout regimen called chameleon training. Randolph called it "tough" and compared it to "special ops."

Having worked hard during the lockout, Randolph is primed for a career year. He'll show that he's worth his big contract.

Rudy Gay Will Come Back Strong from Surgery

Rudy Gay will be back strong after dislocating his left shoulder last season. Following surgery, Gay went through a tough rehabilitation. Gay's workout routine noted a great deal of weight lifting and work on his arm.

Since returning to the court, Gay has been active in exhibition games. In September, Gay participated in Impact Basketball. On October 1, Gay scored 38 points in an exhibition. Earlier this month, Gay scored 45 points in a charity game he hosted.

Having worked hard to recover form, Gay should be strong in the coming season. After setting career highs in each shooting percentage area, Gay could be headed higher.