Memphis Grizzlies: 2015-16 Season Outlook

For the grit-n-grind Memphis Grizzlies, the 2014-15 season started off on such a promising note. At one point, the Golden State Warriors vs. the Memphis Grizzlies for the title of best team in the league was a legitimate conversation. Unfortunately, the season ultimately became another year of promise followed by yet another early playoff exit.

“Disappointment” wasn’t the right word, since nobody has ever expected much from this talented, gritty group, but it was hard to shake the sinking feeling that Memphis had once again been good enough to compete with anyone, but not quite great enough to avoid the Western Conference buzz saw.

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With Marc Gasol re-signed to a max contract, the Grizzlies avoided having to stare into the ugly face of a rebuild. The question now is whether or not Memphis did enough this offseason to avoid the same fate they’ve had over the last few seasons (with the exception of 2013, when the Grizz made their way to the Western Conference Finals with the help of a Russell Westbrook injury).

Heading into another season that’s littered with title contenders in the West, is this finally the year the Grizzlies get a little lucky and make their way to the Finals? Or is Memphis destined for yet another season of good but not quite good enough?

2014-15 Vitals
55-27, 2nd in Southwest Division, 5th in Western Conference
98.3 PPG (20th)/95.1 OPPG (2nd)
105.7 Offensive Rating (13th)/102.2 Defensive Rating (3rd)

Team Leaders
Scoring: Marc Gasol, 17.4 PPG
Rebounding: Zach Randolph, 10.5 RPG
Assists: Mike Conley, 5.4 APG
Steals: Tony Allen, 2.0 SPG
Blocks: Marc Gasol, 1.6 BPG

Honors
All-NBA Team (1st): Marc Gasol
NBA All-Defensive Team (1st): Tony Allen

Next: 2015-16 Roster