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Memphis Grizzlies: 2016-17 Season Outlook

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 /

Three Key Storylines: 1. Staying Healthy

Winning 42 games and making the playoffs as the seventh seed despite Marc Gasol (30 games), Mike Conley (26), Zach Randolph (14), Tony Allen (18) and Brandan Wright (70) all missing significant time was a testament to Dave Joerger’s coaching ability.

With Joerger gone and David Fizdale stepping up to the helm of a ship that’s been on bruise control for years now, the Grizzlies will be relying on improved injury luck if they want to make some noise out West this season.

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Ex-Grizzlies guard opens up on desired landing spots for 2023-24 season
Ex-Grizzlies guard opens up on desired landing spots for 2023-24 season /

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    • That may be more difficult than it sounds. Gasol is now 31 years old, is a seven-footer coming off a foot injury, and has failed to hit the 60-game threshold in two of his last three seasons. Conley, who was signed to the most lucrative deal in NBA history with a $153 million contract, saw his game regress a bit last season as he also dealt with a season-ending foot injury.

    Despite being one of Memphis’ more durable key players, Zach Randolph turned 35 over the summer. Even Parsons, the Grizzlies’ marquee free agency move over the summer, has a penchant for crummy injury luck.

    He’s missed three, six, eight, 16 and 21 games over the course of his five years in the league, with his injury-proneness trending in the wrong direction all the while. He’ll even be entering training camp limited by a knee injury, which is less than ideal for a $95 million investment.

    If the Grizzlies can stay healthy, they’re a very safe bet to make the playoffs behind the West’s three locks (Warriors, Spurs, Clippers). But if they struggle in that department again in 2016-17, it may be a lot to ask of a first-year head coach to get an aging roster back to the postseason.

    Next: Storyline 2: Three-Point Shooting

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