NBA Season Preview: What to Watch for and Expect from the Memphis Grizzlies

The Memphis Grizzlies are finally getting their claws into the NBA. After surprising the world and deleting the NBA-best record of last season's San Antonio Spurs by knocking them out of the first round of the playoffs, the future in America's Basketball league looks less chilly for the former Canadian team. Still, just how far can these bears go? Let's scout them and their hunt for contention.

General Comments

People had their doubts when the contract was signed and before the ink could dry the A.I. experiment didn't work out in Memphis back in 2009. This isn't a cause for concern, though, as the Grizzlies have other answers.

There is no questioning this team can play, from All-Star talent like Zach Randolph and Rudy Gay to young players with promise such as Mike Conley and Xavier Henry. Another positive sign is that the next star sensations, OJ Mayo and Marc "The Other" Gasol haven’t suffered a slump since beyond their sophomore seasons.

These guys are young veterans now, stocked with experience and potential that's being tapped more than celebrity phones. The Grizz showed more promise as they made history last season. Following a strong No. 8 position in the playoff picture, they stopped the most winningest team in the league to become only the fourth No. 8 seed in NBA history to defeat a No. 1 seed, and only the second in a best-of-seven series. The legendary San Antonio Spurs and the NBA didn't know what hit them.

Team Strengths

Unlike Charlotte, this Memphis team has more wins then they have losses. You have to love a team like this. Last year, when everyone was writing them off or talking LeBron, Memphis made a decision to channel their inner Elvis and show a little less conversation and more action. Now nobody wants to step on these blue suede sneakers. Player-wise, nobody is hating either. Gay may have not been able to shoulder some injury burden last season, but he's still an all-time All-Star.

Conley is getting even better at the starting point, and they even have an exciting fast-break dunker in Sam Young (YouTube and Google this guy, especially his double pump against Boston) to go along with former Celtic Tony Allen's sweet jams. The Internet is spreading the phenomenon of this young team. They've got a free league pass.

Memphis haven't changed much since their successful season, and why should they? They did add a few good rooks and the strength of veteran Brian Skinner to the mix. Still, Zach Randolph’s 20.1 points and 12.2 rebounds per game is leading the way. After his one year bite into the rotten Knicks apple didn't taste good, he’s rounding out quite nicely in Memphis (no pun intended).

Team Weaknesses

The Grizzlies share more in common with another former expansion franchise—the Charlotte Bobcats—than being better off without Allen Iverson. When it comes to playing away from home, the Grizzlies still slip up like Tiger Woods. Still, there was a time back in '09 when Memphis never seemed able to win more than four games at a time. Now these FedEx Forum favorites are making deliveries across America right to their opponents' doors.

What They Must Do To Win

Memphis need to realise that as good it as winning in front of their city, it’s important to also shake the foundations of other team’s houses. They need to keep a momentum going when winning games, and stop the bleeding when it comes to going across the country. All praise is due for Memphis right now, especially with their shocking San Antonio stunner. Realise this series was no fluke, as this team gave Durant, Westbrook and all of Oklahoma their due before valiantly bowing out.

This team are not looking to bequeath anymore, and they must realise there is still room for improvement, otherwise compliments won’t be the only thing this team is fishing for come playoff time next season. A No. 8 seed is great, but it's also the closest thing to elimination.

Look for the Grizz to growl even louder and claw their way up the stands of contention. The only way is up, now this team are treated seriously they've got to watch for the snakes in the grass. They should only be looking up to the ladders.