Memphis Grizzlies: 2015-16 Season Outlook

Three Key Storylines

1. Did The Grizzlies Do Enough This Summer?

By bringing back Big Spain, the Grizzlies retained their status as long shot title contenders. Memphis has always been “the team that nobody wants to play,” but how long does that continue before opponents realize they keep winning against that team? Heading into the offseason, even keeping Gasol wasn’t going to be enough.

Memphis did well to replace Koufos with an efficient alley-oop magnet like Wright, especially since it would’ve cost the Grizz way too much to re-sign Koufos. Still, even with Wright’s incredibly team-friendly contract, he probably doesn’t move the needle much in the brutal West.

Matt Barnes is an excellent addition to a team full of nice guys that play mean defense, especially since he brings the skill set and tenacity that everyone thought Jeff Green was going to bring when Memphis originally traded for him. There’s nothing glamorous about Barnes, but he plays tough D, can knock down threes at a serviceable rate and has been in a gritty playoff series or two.

Unfortunately, I’m not sure the additions of Barnes, Wright, a second round draft pick (Andrew Harrison) and a rookie who needs foot surgery (Jarell Martin) do anything to change Memphis’ situation. The Grizzlies will still have a stifling defense. They’ll still have one of the most bruising starting frontcourts in the league. But unfortunately, they still probably don’t have enough shooting or extra oomph to overcome the Warriors, Spurs, Thunder or Clippers of the West.

Next: Storyline: Can Jeff Green Be Better?