Where Do We Go From Here?
Well, the 2015-16 season, or the Season from the Depths of Hell as I refer to it, officially came to an end Sunday for the Memphis Grizzlies. Not surprisingly, the Grizzlies were swept in the first round of the playoffs by the San Antonio Spurs. So, Monday, the Grizzlies had exit interviews and team meetings and said goodbye. For some, it was just a see you later. For others, yesterday was their last day in a Grizzlies uniform. With the exception of Jarell Martin and Jordan Adams, each member of the final Grizzlies roster, appeared on the team’s practice court along with Coach Joerger for interviews. After the Season from the Depths of Hell, I’m sure many of you are wondering, where do we go from here?
Mike Conley, the Free Agent
The Grizzlies starting point guard, Mike Conley, is a free agent this year. Conley hasn’t played since March 6 due to Left Achilles Tendinitis. He came into the room with his walking boot on, and he answered questions for just over 17 minutes about the season and his future with the Grizzlies. Conley didn’t offer a resounding yes when asked whether or not he would stay. Contrary to popular belief, there’s absolutely nothing wrong with him being elusive about it until July. Keeping your cards close to your vest is quite acceptable during free agency (and life in general, actually). Additionally, although he’s been perceived as a diva or demanding by some, it’s also perfectly okay for him to go on record with the direction he would like to see this franchise move in should he stay. So, let’s keep calm and try not to hear what he didn’t say, umkay.
Here’s some of what Conley DID say:
In regards to free agency:
Trying to get back all the way healthy is my number one thing right now. I’m not worrying about it too much right now. I can’t stress about it. There’s nothing I can do about it until the day comes anyway, so I’ll just continue to work to get back on the court.
On whether he wants to come back to Memphis:
Of course. This city is all I know. I’ve grown up here. I’ve got a lot of great relationships here: my teammates, guys I’ve grown up playing with. You know, it’s home for me. But I also understand it’s a business. That can be the hard part about it. At the end of the day, hopefully things will work out.
On his basketball brother, Marc Gasol:
I’m at home, at nights, not worried what a team can offer or if I get along with another teammate, I’m worried about Marc. I’m like, man, if I left, he’d kill me. If I left, I wouldn’t be able to be with guy. Just all the things that are running through your mind, you know.
On whether or not his decision to stay in Memphis hinges on off season moves:
I think everybody is kinda wondering, you know, if we can bring together enough guys in the off-season. They have the right formula. They have enough money.They have enough opportunity to go out there and find somebody. But will we able to attract this person or that person, you know? That’s going to be one of the deciding factors: whether I can believe that they’re going to do it or if they’re going to do it right off the bat.
When the Core was asked about Conley staying:
Tony Allen
I give him a hard time. See I let him know, if I see you in New York, you got a flagrant foul coming. I just tease him like that you know, but that’s the same way as telling Mike, don’t go nowhere. I always tell him Mike I need you, I need you. So, he knows the love.
Marc Gasol
If he goes, he better go East.
Obviously for Mike, he has to make a decision on what’s best for him. You know not only the economic factor, or the years factor, but to be satisfied as a player, and having a real sense of belonging to a place, and doing the things that everybody is going to be on the same page when you come to the gym every day.
Zach Randolph
I think this is where he wants to be.
This is home for him. This is where he belongs, and he knows that.
This bond of brotherhood has been together a long time, and I’d like to see it continue. But like Conley, I understand this is a business, so I’m just going to sit back and wait to see where the chips fall as it relates to signing “MY POINT GUARD” (as I affectionately call him) in the off-season.
Contract Statuses (as reported on basketball-reference.com)
I don’t know that this roster gets “blown up”, but it’s obvious that some players that we saw end the season in Memphis Grizzlies uniforms likely won’t be back for another season. It’s above my pay grade to say who we should keep and who should go seeing as how I don’t run anything about the team other than my mouth. Just thought I’d share the information that I found (sorted by longest, then largest contracts). What’s shown as “guaranteed” includes their pay for the 2015-16 season.
Who Should Front Office Go After in Free Agency?
The elephant in the room is what moves the front office plans to make in the offseason to build a competitive roster. What needs to be established is whether Grit and Grind is a style of play or a state of mind. I’d like to believe it’s a state of mind, and that we’re willing to adapt and adjust as needed to make this franchise competitive in today’s league. As is said at the end of every Grizzlies season (both in and outside the franchise), we need shooters. So, who might we add among eligible free agents that can embrace that mindset? Note: the opinions you see here are mine, and I’ve already noted I don’t run anything but my mouth related to this franchise.
Small Forward:
Unrestricted: Kevin Durant, Nicolas Batum, Evan Turner, Kent Bazemore, Luol Deng, Jeff Green, Joe Johnson, Matt Barnes, Jared Dudley, Gerald Green
Restricted: Harrison Barnes, Allen Crabbe
Player Option: Lebron James, Chandler Parsons
My picks: Kevin Durant (dream BIG); Harrison Barnes (still dreaming perhaps); Nicolas Batum (specifically mentioned by Conley); Matt Barnes (totally on board with this)
Point Guard:
Unrestricted: Mike Conley, Rajon Rondo, Brandon Jennings, Ty Lawson, Mario Chalmers, Ish Smith
Restricted: Jordan Clarkson, Matthew Dellavedova
Player Option: Jeremy Lin, Deron Williams, Mo Williams
My picks: Mike Conley (no brainer here); Mario Chalmers (please and thank you)
Shooting Guard:
Unrestricted: Dwayne Wade, Jamal Crawford, Eric Gordon, Courtney Lee, OJ Mayo, Kevin Martin
Restricted: Bradley Beal, Evan Fournier
Player Option: DeMar DeRozan, JR Smith, Arron Afflalo, Manu Ginobli
Team Option: Lance Stephenson
My picks: Lance Stephenson (cuz he makes me dance); Kevin Martin
This summer should be quite interesting, and it’s only befitting given the season that this franchise saw this year. Whether Conley stays or goes remains to be seen. Whether the front office makes some moves on the roster remains to be seen. Who this franchise can attract here remains to be seen. All I know is, whatever the situation, whoever dons the Beale Street Blue, in the words of the Grindfather himself in his exit interview…The Grind Is Forever!
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