| The Memphis Grizzlies have been
successful in the regular season since Jerry West took over
the team. The Grizzlies made the risk to draft Pau Gasol and
traded away third overall pick Drew Gooden to the Orlando
Magic, a move that everyone thought would backfire on West.
However, the success the Grizzlies incurred during the regular
season hasn't translated into the playoffs quite yet. In fact
the franchise has yet to win in the playoffs thus far. This
past season the team was hit with a hard injury as they saw
Damon Stoudmire come down and had to end his year with a season
ending injury. The Grizzlies didn't panic and still didn't
give up as they other guards stepped into his role. Veterans
Chucky Atkins and Bobby Jackson played big roles for the team
as they continued to keep up with the Clippers and Mavericks.
The post-season ended on a bad note as they were swept in
the first round by the western conference finals winners,
the Dallas Mavericks. The series was never close as coach
Mike Fritallo tried to keep his team mentally condition and
physically prepared to play every game but it was the Mavericks
who out played the Grizzlies in every category.
The Mavericks were able to use their speed and muscle to
keep the Grizzlies hopes down as they ended the post-season
on a dismal note.
Jerry West didn't fall like his team did as he continued
to improve his team in the off-season. As draft day grew closer,
West felt he needed to make a move and made very little noise
in doing so. Jerry West pulled the trigger and sent Shane
Battier, Duke forward, to the Houston Rockets in exchange
for eight round pick Rudy Gay. The move would free up playing
time for Hakeem Warrick and bring in some new blood to the
Memphis team. |
