NBA Free Agents 2011: Arron Afflalo Needs Memphis Grizzlies to Contact Him

Arron Afflalo should open himself up to the Memphis Grizzlies before committing to returning to the Denver Nuggets. Afflalo, a restricted free agent, could benefit greatly from growth opportunities with the Grizzlies. The Nuggets, which seem determined to re-sign Afflalo, can't offer the type of environment that the Grizzlies can.

Currently, Memphis is a much better environment than Denver for a blossoming young guard like Afflalo. The Grizzlies have a clear direction. Defeating the San Antonio Spurs in the first round of the playoffs and pushing the Oklahoma City Thunder to seven games, the Grizzlies showed that they're on the upward swing.

With Rudy Gay returning, the Grizzlies look set to accomplish even more.

The Nuggets are hanging in the balance. Over the last several years, Denver has played like a team stuck in second gear. In seven of the last eight seasons, the Nuggets lost in the first round of the playoffs. Last season, the Nuggets dealt Carmelo Anthony and Chauncey Billups to the New York Knicks. Wilson Chandler and J.R. Smith committed to playing in China during the lockout.

With Chandler and Smith obligated to play in China for a year, the Nuggets are left desperate to re-sign Afflalo. Otherwise, the Nuggets are headed to the tank.

Desperation isn't a good situation in which to sit. Also, Afflalo doesn't want the pressure of playing for a team playing desperately once he returns, a team pinning its hopes on his potential.

The Grizzlies have better leadership than the Nuggets. Lionel Hollins has a clear vision of success for the Grizzlies. He told The Commercial Appeal on Thursday, "We're still in the growing stages. We haven't built a house yet. We've built a foundation."

Those are the words of a coach who is shepherding a team into growth. In the season before last, Hollins started his tenure with the Grizzlies with a reasonable 40-42 record.  Hollins seems like he has a vision for success for the Grizzlies.

Meanwhile, George Karl is an embattled coach. Karl has battled cancer in recent years.  Last season, he had trouble speaking due to continuing complications from neck cancer.  Also, Karl is weathered after having dealt with numerous tough egos through the years, most recently Anthony's.

Afflalo would be better off joining a team coached by a fresher coach who is steadier in health and outlook.

Player leadership is also great for the Grizzlies. Tony Allen is a strong defensive leader. He emphasizes toughness and keeps players honest. Marc Gasol is a terrific emotional leader.

Afflalo would benefit greatly from this leadership.

The Memphis Grizzlies have had something of a tag team at shooting guard between Tony Allen and O.J. Mayo. The Grizzlies could add Afflalo to compete with either player for the starting job, or he could take the starting job.

Besides, Allen is perhaps at the point in his career where he would best serve as a defensive replacement off the bench.

Afflalo could be looking at offers from several teams. The market may offer a boon for Afflalo. Nevertheless, Afflalo would be better served joining a well-directed team on the rise like the Grizzlies than taking the biggest contract simply to be a star.