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Memphis Grizzlies: 2016 Offseason Grades

By Gerald Bourguet

Mar 20, 2015; Dallas, TX, USA; Dallas Mavericks forward Chandler Parsons (25) drives to the basket past Memphis Grizzlies guard Mike Conley (11) during the first quarter at the American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 20, 2015; Dallas, TX, USA; Dallas Mavericks forward Chandler Parsons (25) drives to the basket past Memphis Grizzlies guard Mike Conley (11) during the first quarter at the American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports /
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Memphis Grizzlies
Dec 11, 2015; Memphis, TN, USA; Memphis Grizzlies guard Mike Conley (11) and center Marc Gasol (33) look on during the second half against the Charlotte Hornets at FedExForum. The Hornets won 123-99. Mandatory Credit: Justin Ford-USA TODAY Sports /

Overall

When it comes right down to it, your opinion of the Memphis Grizzlies’ 2016 offseason summer really depends on how much faith you have that guys like Marc Gasol, Mike Conley and Chandler Parsons can stay healthy — along with how much faith you have in David Fizdale replacing Dave Joerger and how much guys like Zach Randolph and Tony Allen have left in the tank.

If Memphis’ new core can stay on the court together, Fizdale should have an easier time coaxing a top-10 defense out of the Grizzlies (despite Parsons’ flaws on that end), which will make them a two-way nightmare for opponents not named the Warriors and Spurs.

If they can’t stay healthy, however, this more well-rounded Grizz team could very easily miss the playoffs.

However, this summer was not just about the 2016-17 season, which seems to be on a collision course for Warriors vs. Cavaliers Part 3 in the Finals regardless of what anyone else did this offseason.

By committing a combined $247 million to Conley and Parsons, the Grizzlies made a pair of potentially risky, long-term investments in a 28-year-old point guard and a 27-year-old, injury-prone wing. Parsons’ playmaking and three-point shooting will be a huge boost to Memphis’ lackluster offense if he can stay healthy, but what’s the best-case scenario here?

The reality is that this once fun core may not continue to age gracefully, even with Parsons onboard. With Gasol and Z-Bo injury-prone and in their 30s, Parsons’ knee being made of paper-mache and Conley about to enter what’s left of his prime, the Grizzlies’ timing for going all-in financially is not ideal; the Warriors, Spurs and Cavaliers still rule this league.

More hoops habit: San Antonio Spurs: 2016 Offseason Grades

The Memphis Grizzlies are, on paper, a much better team heading into next season. They kept a franchise player with a bloated contract, added a marquee free agent and will give their blue-collar fans one more year of keeping the band together. At some point, however, you have to wonder whether this team’s ceiling or its head will be the first to cave after repeatedly bashing the two together for so long.

Grade: B+

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