RealGM

vs.

Who: Utah Jazz(13-12) @ Memphis Grizzlies(14-13)
When: February 12, 2012
Where: FedEx Forum - Memphis, TN
Time: 8:30 PM CST
TV: SpSo ESPN/ESPN 92.9
Team Trivia: Jazz G Jamaal Tinsley was originally selected by the Memphis Grizzlies with the 27th overall pick in the 2001 NBA Draft, Tinsley’s rights were traded on draft night to the Atlanta Hawks along with Shareef Abdur-Rahim for the rights to Pau Gasol (No. 3 overall), Brevin Knight and Lorenzen Wright.




Grizzlies Starters






Jazz Starters

They just couldn't miss and commited 3X as many fouls as they were called for.

A lot like most of our opponents.

Sigh.

Where do the Grizzlies rank in 3 point shooting? I mean c'mon, Rudy Gay is the only player that sank any?
Two 3 pointers is going to make it alot tougher to win any games, especially when your best inside scorer in Randolph is out as well. It always going to be an uphill battle.

I suppose the silver lining is that they know they have to be all in on defensive commitment to win games, which down the road should pay dividends. But they still only rank in the middle of the league in defensive stats.

Several issues that contribute to the Grizz lost.

1. Lack of better defensive rotation. Gay vs. Hayward. Hayward won the match up. Not only in pts, but the guy also help the Jazz rotate the rock around to set up his teammate for the better percentage shot. Rudy made had 22pts and 6rebs, but 5TOs' and lack of better defense on Hayward isn't going to help the team win the game.

2. The Grizzlies lack of ball movement contribute to the lost as well. Grizz frontcourt contribute 5 dimes to the Jazz 13 dimes. The Jazz knew where each other were on the floor whereas the Grizz more likely played thru the motions of the game. Also Grizz frontcourt were outscored 60-46 in the game. Defense was not emphasis to the fullest.

3. The Jazz simply wanted the game more than the Grizzlies. They put their plan in motion on both ends. Force their will on the Grizz and they got the results they wanted.

I have not liked what Rudy Gay has brought to the table so far this year. This coming from one of his bigger fans in years past. He has led them at times, but we need him to be more efficient offensively and focus more of his efforts on defense.

I don't think I have commented this season, but I think that Randolph's loss is huge. That coupled with Darrell Arthur's injury really have me concerned. I don't think we can develop the proper chemistry to win if he comes back later in the year. We no longer have Battier unfortunately and need veteran leadership. I will not be disappointed at all if we miss the playoffs, as I think that this is the best draft in terms of star potential in a while. Bring in MKG to go along with Tony Allen and you have the best defensive duo in a decade.

Note: That doesn't mean I'm giving up on Rudy Gay, but would like to play him alongside MKG, with Allen coming off the bench.

Rudy could stand to improve on defense a lot. Getting burned like that isn't going to cut it. You made a good point about udy needing to be more efficient on offense. I understand any player can have a bad shooting night or two. It's that when you as a scorer put up volumes of shots per game, that determines whether not not your team wins the game or not.

Another point you brought up is that we're missing Zbo. It really shows. Last year when RG was out, Zbo showed he was the focal point of the Grizz offense. Anytime he commanded the double teams, that would leave a shooter open to take the shot. Zbo also had the option to either drive on his opponent or take the long range shot. Nothing against RG, but inspite of his best, the guy is not the description of someone who can put a team on his back and lead them to glory. (see Pau Gasol)

What else the Grizz are missing and better bench players who can spread the floor offensively and can play some defense. So far, Q, Pargo, and DC haven't been doing all that much imo. Something needs to give.

You see, I just think that Rudy is struggling after a year away from basketball. I also think that he needs to understand his role better and learn to become more of a spot up shooter. Like you said, Randolph will get him so many open looks. He should live off of those practice shots. I understand that he's a rhythm shooter, but he needs to develop that aspect of his game in order to become a more efficient part of the offense. I am committed to Rudy and have all the hope for him in the world. (unlike Pau, who I feel is a winer and a choke artist) It's tough coming off of an injury like that in a shortened season. He'll figure it out. When he does, look out.

Hopefully RG will figure it out in due time. And that the team can find a momentum push towards earning them a couple of good winning streaks. All this hovering around .500 is starting to get tiresome.

Hey, worst case we are in solid position in a draft with real star potential. Who are you liking so far?

I haven't paid too much attention on the draftees in question. The question I guess I have is who's been hot throughout the season and who(m) has the potential to become a star?

Well, the greatest potential picks are Drummond and Anthony Davis and we will probably not be able to get them. In terms of a pure leader and a player with the best intangibles, I see Michael Gilchrist as that once-in-a-decade presence. I am hoping everyday that we somehow miraculously get him. Pair him with Tony Allen and we easily have the best defensive backcourt of the past two decades imo.

Here is how I see things. We need spot up shooters, but we do not need one of those with our first round pick. There are plenty of shooters available in free agency and in the 2nd round. If we sign random free agent spot up shooters like the Cavs did with Lebron, and bring in a leadership presence, we are contender. Zach is a great player, but not a leader in my eyes. Rudy has moments of greatness, but has not historically been that vocal. We are missing that piece.