Grizzlies Offseason Plan Vol. Budget Ballin'

[It_Was_Typed]

I thought this thread would be made for good use to see opinions and suggestions on what the Grizzlies should do this summer. So post anything related to the draft, free agency or trade that you think can improve the Grizzlies.

I'll post mine later.

[SD2042]

1. Resign Marc Gasol to a reasonable contract allowing enough salary to sign more FAs.

2. Although Vasquez did decent in the Spurs series, he disappeared in the Thunder series. He's a rookie who will build more experience as time mores forward. The Grizz is missing an experience backup PG who can spell MC11 a few minutes off the bench.

PGs to keep in mind.

Mike Bibby-get some shots up and can get teammates involve. help defender.
TJ Ford- slasher, gets teammates involve, help defender
Earl Watson-get teammates involve, plays solid defense, slash to the post.

Will Shane stay or go?

If Shane stays, the question is for how much. He can easily go to another playoff contender depending on how much the Grizz offer on the table. If Shane goes for it, I expect him to be more familiar with the Grizz tactics and be able to provide the team with leadership, defense, and ability to knock down the 3ball when needed. In the event he goes elsewhere.

SFs in mind

Kelenna Azibuike-3ball, decent defender, athletic, slasher
Al Thornton-athletic, midrange jumper, decent defender, slasher
Reggie Williams, hustle, 3ball, man to man defender, slasher

Backup center is another issue that needs to be address. WIth Hadaddi being an upcoming FA and hasn't been given enough mins to show what he can do. It maybe safe to say the Grizz may not resign the guy and look elsewhere. Right now, the Grizz need a backup center who can rebound, play hard defense, put back shots when needed and can give Gasol a breather for a few.

Cs in mind.

Sam Dalembert-shot blocker, defense, subpar offense
Reggie Evans-all defense, toughness, and rebounds, offensive liabiity
Josh McRoberts- rebounding, mid range shot, decent defender
Aaron Gray-shot blocker, rebounder, limited offensively
Joel Pryzilla- see Arron Gray
Nazr Mohammed-see Arron Gray

[lilojmayo]

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3h00oBDCODs[/youtube]



Make a decision (Hollins) start OJ Mayo or trade him. We should never have to see him come off the bench again. Time for OJ to stand up when an injustice is being done. Someone that talented should never come off any bench.

It is time for OJ to whip out his W.W.A.D ( What Would Allen Iverson Do) braclet

[It_Was_Typed]

1. Re-sign Marc Gasol

I'm guessing Gasol is in line for a 5 year-$60 million contract.

2. Let go of Shane Battier

I'd love to have him return but I don't think there's money or playing time for him.

3. Keep O.J. Mayo

Had a bad season but picked it up late. Should keep him to start the season.

4. Sign a cheap backup C/PF

Gasol, Z-Bo and DA are good to go. Need another big to play 8-10 MPG.

Realistic candidates:
Joel Pryzbilla - The perfect backup C if healthy but his knee troubles worries me.
Earl Barron - Can step out and hit mid range jumpers. Would like more of an enforcer type.
Josh McRoberts - Almost got him at the trade deadline so there must be interest in him right?

5. Sign a backup PG

I liked what I saw out of Greivis Vasquez but I think another PG is needed for insurance.

Realistic candidates:
Anthony Carter - Tough as nails veteran PG that can play 12 MPG when called upon.
Earl Watson - Eh don't think he would sign to be a third string PG but a reliable backup.
Carlos Arroyo - Solid backup PG that can get run the offense and hit a jumper or two.

6. Sign a shooter

This team desperately needs a shooter if Xavier Henry can't be that guy (yet)

Realistic candidates:
Jason Kapono - One dimensional player that has sot 43% from three for his career.
Sasha Vujacic - 37% career shooter from three and can play both backcourt spots.
Michael Redd - Career 38% shooter from three that's has had knee injuries the last three seasons.

[darkangle901]

This is all second hand (or third or fourth) so take it for what it is worth: my brother is friends with the guitarist from Shinedown, who hangs out with Shane Battier occasionally. According to them, Shane said he will either return to Houston (where his kids go to school) next season, or retire. Pretty sweet fricken deal houston made, if you ask me (Thabeet, Carroll, first round pick for a rental of Battier).

Of course, this was before the solid playoff run, and before the Rockets fired Adelman. So who knows.

As others have pointed out, we probably don't need him with Gay and X.Henry coming back next year to join Mayo, Allen, and Young on the wings.

So, here's a general outline of the offseason plan:

1.) Resign Marc Gasol. Duh. His offensive game continues to improve, and he's the biggest reason our perimeter defenders are able to play so aggressively on the outside. All that, and he might not even get a max contract, far as I can tell.

2.) Keep O.J. Mayo. Maybe he is not quite the difference-maker he should be (as a former No.3 pick), but he is a very good role player, and, aside from Rudy Gay, our only credible threat from beyond the arc. Which leads me to...

3.) Shooters. Shooters. Shooters. We cannot get too attached to guys like Sam Young, Tony Allen, and even Mike Conley. While each of them performed well in his role (especially defensively) in the regular season, the collective ineptitude in outside shooting that had been somewhat mitigated in the regular season really hurt us in the playoffs, as OKC defenders consistently played 5-7 feet off of Young and Allen, and ran under screens against Conley.
There is little doubt that we will pursue some one-dimensional shooters like (for example) James Jones or Daequan Cook for less than the MLE. But we probably don't have the luxury of playing guys like that, considering that we don't have the kind of truly elite players who can make up for guys who can't attack offensively or hold their own defensively. We are the type of team who needs to attack from all 5 positions on both ends of the floor, and so we need to pursue guys who can shoot, put the ball on the floor, and play solid defense (difficult to come by for obvious reasons). That's why I'm saying that we may have to package a couple of these guys who have played well for us in order to get more complete players. Here are some names of guys who MIGHT be available who we could use (depending on what direction their teams decide to go in) Hedo Turkoglu, J.Rich (if Howard is traded for youth), Paul Pierce, Ray Allen, Rip Hamilton, Tay Prince, Andre Iguodala, Monta Ellis, Steve Nash. Some of those guys, like Pierce, Iggy, and Ellis, might be too expensive in terms of trade value, but anything is possible.

4. Backup Center. We want to have a win total in the 52-58 range next season so we can host a series or two. For that, with our current roster, Gasol really needs to play 38-40 mpg. We are really tempting the gods of b-ball injuries if we do that, though. Gotta find a guy who can give 12-15 solid minutes as the Center and defensive anchor, and keep Gasol and Randolph's minutes under 35. Not sure who, but those kind of guys are out there.

5. Don't expect too much from the young guys. Henry, Vasquez, and Ish Smith all had decent moments, but all of them leave us with a lot of questions about their games at this point. Vasquez is the most credible, because he somehow managed to play by far his best stretch in the playoffs, which is rare for a rookie. He has all the skills: a developing jumpshot, solid handling, decent quickness, and good lateral movement and height as a defender. The one thing that shows with him, though, is that he's not "heady". His decision making comes and goes, and I wonder if he doesn't project better as a 2-guard a la Manu Ginobili (lofty comparison, I know, but the tools are there).

But in any case, I'm excited about next season.

[It_Was_Typed]

With all the turmoil with the Blazers, maybe that will give the Grizzlies the inside edge on Joel Pryzbilla, provided his knee checks out.

[SD2042]

One thing I'm concern about with Pryz is his knees. His lack of durability is a big question mark like how Agent Zero is with the Magic. Although PDX is going thru some issues right now, I'm not expect them to completely breakup the team outright like some ppl are thinking.

Forgot too add that I would like to keep OJ as well. If he can continue to maximize his game to where J-Craw and the Jet are currently. That would do the Grizz a lot of good.

Also, Hollins was stated recently about a need for shooters and a center in the past few days. I'm thinking that this maybe pointing to Shane not returning to the Grizz since he appears to not wanting to uproot his family out of Houston. Completely understandable.

[Rapsfan07]

This is all second hand (or third or fourth) so take it for what it is worth: my brother is friends with the guitarist from Shinedown, who hangs out with Shane Battier occasionally. According to them, Shane said he will either return to Houston (where his kids go to school) next season, or retire. Pretty sweet fricken deal houston made, if you ask me (Thabeet, Carroll, first round pick for a rental of Battier).

Of course, this was before the solid playoff run, and before the Rockets fired Adelman. So who knows.

As others have pointed out, we probably don't need him with Gay and X.Henry coming back next year to join Mayo, Allen, and Young on the wings.

So, here's a general outline of the offseason plan:

1.) Resign Marc Gasol. Duh. His offensive game continues to improve, and he's the biggest reason our perimeter defenders are able to play so aggressively on the outside. All that, and he might not even get a max contract, far as I can tell.

2.) Keep O.J. Mayo. Maybe he is not quite the difference-maker he should be (as a former No.3 pick), but he is a very good role player, and, aside from Rudy Gay, our only credible threat from beyond the arc. Which leads me to...

3.) Shooters. Shooters. Shooters. We cannot get too attached to guys like Sam Young, Tony Allen, and even Mike Conley. While each of them performed well in his role (especially defensively) in the regular season, the collective ineptitude in outside shooting that had been somewhat mitigated in the regular season really hurt us in the playoffs, as OKC defenders consistently played 5-7 feet off of Young and Allen, and ran under screens against Conley.
There is little doubt that we will pursue some one-dimensional shooters like (for example) James Jones or Daequan Cook for less than the MLE. But we probably don't have the luxury of playing guys like that, considering that we don't have the kind of truly elite players who can make up for guys who can't attack offensively or hold their own defensively. We are the type of team who needs to attack from all 5 positions on both ends of the floor, and so we need to pursue guys who can shoot, put the ball on the floor, and play solid defense (difficult to come by for obvious reasons). That's why I'm saying that we may have to package a couple of these guys who have played well for us in order to get more complete players. Here are some names of guys who MIGHT be available who we could use (depending on what direction their teams decide to go in) Hedo Turkoglu, J.Rich (if Howard is traded for youth), Paul Pierce, Ray Allen, Rip Hamilton, Tay Prince, Andre Iguodala, Monta Ellis, Steve Nash. Some of those guys, like Pierce, Iggy, and Ellis, might be too expensive in terms of trade value, but anything is possible.

4. Backup Center. We want to have a win total in the 52-58 range next season so we can host a series or two. For that, with our current roster, Gasol really needs to play 38-40 mpg. We are really tempting the gods of b-ball injuries if we do that, though. Gotta find a guy who can give 12-15 solid minutes as the Center and defensive anchor, and keep Gasol and Randolph's minutes under 35. Not sure who, but those kind of guys are out there.

5. Don't expect too much from the young guys. Henry, Vasquez, and Ish Smith all had decent moments, but all of them leave us with a lot of questions about their games at this point. Vasquez is the most credible, because he somehow managed to play by far his best stretch in the playoffs, which is rare for a rookie. He has all the skills: a developing jumpshot, solid handling, decent quickness, and good lateral movement and height as a defender. The one thing that shows with him, though, is that he's not "heady". His decision making comes and goes, and I wonder if he doesn't project better as a 2-guard a la Manu Ginobili (lofty comparison, I know, but the tools are there).

But in any case, I'm excited about next season.

Raptors fan here.

How would you all feel about:

to MEMPHIS: Andrea Bargnani, Leandro Barbosa, Paul George
to INDIANA: OJ Mayo, Xavier Henry, Jose Calderon
to TORONTO: Rudy Gay, Dahntay Jones, James Posey

[SD2042]

Barbosa I wouldn't mind b/c the Grizz need a shooter, but not at the expense of Rudy Gay. He will remain a Grizzly.

[darkangle901]

Gay isn't on the table, IMO.

While Bargnani still has upside, he wouldn't fit our team well, and would have to come off the bench or play SF under this deal.

Barbosa would be an interesting player for us though, but not at the expense of Mayo or especially Gay.

[HeartFoundation]

Raptors fan here.

How would you all feel about:

to MEMPHIS: Andrea Bargnani, Leandro Barbosa, Paul George
to INDIANA: OJ Mayo, Xavier Henry, Jose Calderon
to TORONTO: Rudy Gay, Dahntay Jones, James Posey

Hell NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Grizzlies is not the place where garbages from Raptors piled up!

[It_Was_Typed]

Raptors fan here.

How would you all feel about:

to MEMPHIS: Andrea Bargnani, Leandro Barbosa, Paul George
to INDIANA: OJ Mayo, Xavier Henry, Jose Calderon
to TORONTO: Rudy Gay, Dahntay Jones, James Posey

Stop it.

[Downtown]

No brainer. Sign Gasol with a starting salary of $13mil for next season, going up from there. Randolph, Gay, Conley, Mayo, Allen,Henry,Haddadi(qualifying offer, which at $2mil should be enough to keep him),Arthur, Vasquez,Young, and Smith.

That's 12 players for a total of around $69.5 mil. Considering their payroll was $70mil for this season then adding in one or two minimum wage players should have next season's(if there is one) payroll at the same mark.

Hollins has said before that it's about keeping and adding assets, not trading them away. Get Gay healthy, and bring back the cohesive group that should be even more motivated now that they have tasted what the playoffs and victory are like.

I'm sorry about Shane Battier but there simply isn't room for him or a new contract at what he could fetch on the open market. That's the one comprimise. But with a little scouring I think Memphis could find a poor man's version of him if need be at the trade deadline in 2012.

Put Henry on a program this offseason to have him more ready than he was last season at the start. Players such as Vasquez, Smith, and maybe Haddadi, if they can find another low priced center, wouldn't be difficult to replace, but at their cost the Grizzlies just might keep them around. But they don't loom large in the grand scheme of things.

I think this offseason should be the most boring in years. Take care of business with Gasol and stay the course. I really don't understand the ignorance of some fans from other teams thinking that because they need to re-sign Gasol that Rudy Gay already has one foot out the door and their team can trade sub value for him. Let them dream I suppose.

[HSOB SIRHC]

You guys want a PG? Would you guys be interested in Calderon? Marc and Calderon probably already have chemistry with each other.

[SD2042]

The Grizz are enamored with MC11 for the long haul. Bring in Calderon won't help matters. The Grizz just need a durable well rounded backup PG, not an expensive one like Calderon's contract.

DT, I can agree. The Grizz should consider allowing X, and company play in summer league(pending lockout) or some type of program to help them improve their skills in order for them to be reliable.

[HeartFoundation]

You guys want a PG? Would you guys be interested in Calderon? Marc and Calderon probably already have chemistry with each other.

Ha ha ha

Don't attempt to persuade Griz fans to agree your idea with that poor exorbitant logic!

Griz fans are not that stupid.

Griz should never receive any contractors with huge salary. Understnad?

[jman3134]

This is not going to be one of those posts where I say that the Grizzlies are incapable of winning a championship and that we should rebuild and start through the draft. This is the worst draft in recent memory and we only have one pick in the second round. With that said, we could make it worthwhile if we sign a guy that we know can stick around on an NBA roster.

1. Resign Marc Gasol. The other half of our two headed big men tandem needs to be resigned this offseason at the expense of our pockets. So be it. He was pivotal in getting us to where we were in the playoffs. He may not have dominated on the glass like I expected against the Thunder, but he is too skilled of a big man to pass up. We need Marc back and Memphis loves this guy's toughness.

2. Resign Shane Battier. I have read that many of you want to get rid of Battier and I can understand that given the fact that he kind of played somewhat questionable defense on Durant at times. And, in game 7, he could not hit a shot. With that said, we should not be shortsighted. This guy is absolutely critical to our team's success because he provides a veteran defensive presence. He and Tony Allen make up one of the best perimeter two-headed defensive monsters that the NBA has seen in a long time. We need to keep him because we do not have the veteran presence on the perimeter without him. There will be enough minutes if we can play him alongside Gay at times.

3. Trade OJ Mayo for future draft picks. Some of you may say that my bias is really starting to show with this move. However, let's think about this for a bit. OJ played surprisingly well in the playoffs and was critical to our success against the Thunder. There is no denying that. But, despite this, I cannot help but feel that he is somewhat out of place in our team's dynamic. He started to gel down the stretch. But, I personally would rather have a veteran like Battier than a guy like OJ coming off the bench. Further, I feel like OJ will command more money than Battier. If he doesn't, then I may change my mind.

4. Sign Bo McCalebb. Now I know some of you may be thinking that signing some "no name" overseas American will not help our team significantly. If that came to mind, you are probably wrong. McCalebb is probably the most coveted American player in all of Europe right now and probably could beat out most of the NBA's backup point guards already. Now, I like what Greivis has done and I do feel we should keep him as well. But, McCalebb is a flat out scorer and that is what we are in dire need of. If Gary Neal can make the kind of impact he has, McCalebb may make an even greater mark. Someone in our organization needs to open their eyes and start scouting better overseas. Bo is instant offense off the bench and he can run our system. Despite being undersized, he is extremely laterally quick and could cause some problems for opposing teams. Don't just give this guy a look- sign him to a long term deal before another team swoops in and gets a steal. At this point, he is not going to command top dollar because he is somewhat of an unknown still. With that said, he is worth a sizable free agent contract.

5. Resign Hamed Haddadi. I liked the strides he showed at times during the playoffs. He is big and only getting better in adjusting to the NBA style. I do think that with more playing time, his confidence will grow. We should continue with this project and keep him on our payroll.

6. Select DeAndre Liggins with our second round pick. Liggins is one of the best perimeter defenders that I have ever seen at the college level. He deserves a shot with our team and I would trade up to select him even if we have to throw in a few dollars. He fits in with our gritty, defensive oriented team dynamic and would only compliment the players that are already there. He can learn from the likes of Allen and Battier. I promise that this is a guy that can stick on an NBA roster for defense alone. He is THAT good.

7. Resign Leon Powe or a bigger body like Fesenko, Elson, or Dampier (depending on whether or not we keep Haddadi). I love what Powe normally brings to the table and would love to see him adjust to our offense. He is not going to receive big minutes with Arthur playing the way he has, but I think he could eventually see 10 mpg. He is undersized, but a very hard worker.

8. Sign Curtis Stinson. While we are looking to boast ourselves at the point guard position, this guy is a no brainer pickup for anyone scouting the D League. He can run his team and shoot from the outside. He is also an excellent passer and if I'm not mistaken the D League's MVP. Give him a roster spot just in case any of our point guards get injured. Feel he is worth a minimum contract.

(Listed in order of importance)

Our biggest concerns from this playoffs should have been our point guard play, especially at the backup position; our lack of scoring- in particular with shooters; and our lack of rebounding against the Thunder. Bringing back Marc bolsters our frontline and Haddadi can grab boards at times. Rudy Gay should provide more help on the glass as well. If we pick up McCalebb, I can almost guarantee that we have instant offense off the bench and from the point guard position. Grevis can continue to develop. Our outside shooting weakness will be addressed by the McCalebb addition as well as Greivis's scoring prowess. Further, Rudy Gay can hit perimeter jump shots and we must stress that he and Henry focus on this in the offseason. Imo, those are the only adjustments we need to have a championship level squad if Gay can come in and play within the offense. He needs to mold his game and look to give the ball to Zach whenever possible. He can easily feed off of his play if he can learn to clean up and be more aggressive on the glass. I feel that the team I have just mentioned is capable of making and winning the NBA finals.

[Downtown]

Isn't that 17 players?

Under contract: Conley, Vasquez, Smith, Mayo, Allen, Henry, Young, Gay, Arthur, Randolph. Add Gasol, Battier, and Haddadi. Sign McCalebb, Liggins, Powe, Stinson.

Someone else needs to go in your scenario.

I have no clue who McCalebb, Liggins, or Stinson are, but I said they should sign one or two minimum wage players will fill out the roster and keep the payroll down so I'm fine with one or two of those guys.

Whether it's Haddadi or another center, they definitely need a backup center that won't cost them alot.

Powe? I have said before that I like him, but now that he is healthy I think he may get more money than the Grizzlies can offer.

The main point comes down to a decision between Mayo or Battier I see in your opinion. There's plenty of areas for debate on that one.

[It_Was_Typed]

I like the Liggins idea. Definitely fits the personality of the team. Quality defender and improving spot up shooter. I wouldn't expect much from him for a season or two, but down the line I think he could be a decent rotation player.

But then again, that's exactly what the Grizzlies (and all of us) think Xavier Henry will develop into as well, if not better than "decent".

[jman3134]

Isn't that 17 players?

Under contract: Conley, Vasquez, Smith, Mayo, Allen, Henry, Young, Gay, Arthur, Randolph. Add Gasol, Battier, and Haddadi. Sign McCalebb, Liggins, Powe, Stinson.

Someone else needs to go in your scenario.

I have no clue who McCalebb, Liggins, or Stinson are, but I said they should sign one or two minimum wage players will fill out the roster and keep the payroll down so I'm fine with one or two of those guys.

Whether it's Haddadi or another center, they definitely need a backup center that won't cost them alot.

Powe? I have said before that I like him, but now that he is healthy I think he may get more money than the Grizzlies can offer.

The main point comes down to a decision between Mayo or Battier I see in your opinion. There's plenty of areas for debate on that one.

No, I think I forgot to mention that Stinson would replace Ish Smith, who is a nothing player imo. I like him because I feel he is a more experienced garbage player. I also said that we should trade Mayo because it is either Battier or Mayo. That makes fifteen players.

Not sure if Powe is going to be a big time free agent signing. He wanted to come to the Grizzlies, so he might be a big pickup. Haddadi is serviceable enough, and they can play Arthur and Gasol or Arthur and Randolph or Gasol and Powe. The main point is Battier vs. Mayo and then Bo McCalebb, who is really one of the most overlooked players in the world. Any two-bit European scouts will confrim that as well. I really don't see why he hasn't received an NBA contract- it makes no sense.