I. Team History/Needs
        This year the season started with a lot of promise with
        the Grizzlies flirting with .500 to start the season, led by the acquisition of Otis
        Thorpe. Thorpe, unfortunately, became a locker room cancer when the season turned sour and
        was dealt to another NBA outpost in Sacramento. Another unsuccessful event for the
        Grizzlies was the drafting of Antonio Daniels, at least for the short term. He showed some
        flashes, but for the most part showed to be over his head in the NBA. His development is
        key for the Grizz to continue down the path toward respectability and the playoffs. Brian
        Hill was brought in as the new coach shed some of the ghosts from Orlando, but in order
        for him to be considered successful the Grizzlies have to shed the lower echelon in the
        NBA. The needs for the Grizzlies remain the same as last year backcourt predominantly, but
        PF could use an upgrade but not the same level of priority that the backcourt does.  | 
      
      
        Players
        Point Guard 
          - A bit of a logjam here, but it's a logjam of mediocrity
            sadly. Antonio Daniels was brought in to be the starter and help lead the Grizzlies out of
            the NBA basement. He just wasn't up to NBA speed, but the jury is still out on him for the
            long term. Lee Mayberry who was supposed to be a backup to Daniels ended up with
            considerable minutes. Mayberry is good for not turning the ball over, but isn't much of an
            offensive threat. Bobby Hurley was brought in as part of the Otis Smith trade, mainly to
            help match up the salaries. Hurley did have some effective minutes but will always be a
            shadow of his former self pre-accident. Hurley is certainly overpaid, but is not eligible
            for free agency till next year, which makes him virtually untradable, unless tied to
            something of great value that another team would covet, like this pick or Shareef. 
 
         
        Shooting Guard 
          - A lot of mediocrity here as well. Sam Mack was the most
            effective player in this spot over the course of the season. He was adept at stroking the
            trey, but he would be a bigger asset off of the bench. Blue Edwards had a tough season to
            start but came on towards the end. Edwards is a FA and it is unknown whether he will
            return. Doug West is a question here as he never played for the Grizzlies after his trade
            from Minnesota, being in rehab. I don't believe that he is the answer here. 
 
         
        Small Forward 
          - Shareef Abdur-Rahim continued down the road to
            superstardom being one of the most effective offensive players in the game. He does need
            work on his offensive game and the ability to take over the game in the home stretch. He
            is up for a contract extension and hopefully he'll get it as I don't want him to test the
            FA waters where he'll be a coveted commodity. George Lynch is a PF in a SF body, but is
            good for some energy off of the bench.
 
         
        Power Forward 
          - Tony Massenburg, Michael Smith, and Pete Chilcutt man this
            position however all are journeymen and wouldn't be a starter on a contending team. What
            the Grizzlies need here in a guy who can pull down 10-12 boards a night and provide a
            physical low post defender. This is a need position, but not nearly as great as the
            backcourt.
 
         
        Center 
          - Bryant Reeves was an effective scorer for the Grizz again
            this year, and hopefully his slow start was due to getting used to Brian Hill's offense.
            He continues to show that he is one of the best young centers in the game. He comes into
            his big contract as of this year so it's time for him to step up and earn it. Backup is a
            bit of a concern, but Massenburg did have a couple big games filling in for Big Country.
 
         
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        II. My Selection
        Paul Pierce G/F from
        Kansas 
         
        Paul Pierce has the potential to be the next Clyde Drexler. Will he get there is another
        question though. He is very developed and silky smooth. Pierce does have the game to play
        several positions. His defense and desire have been questioned. He certainly has the
        athleticism to play defense, but could use some more strength.   | 
      
      
        III. Other players I considered
        Michael Olowokandi C from Pacific 
         
        A project that has already taken huge strides. If he
        actually played for the Grizz would probably have to play PF. Awesome athleticism and
        body. Is he the next Hakeem or Yinka? Most likely somewhere in between in there. Can he be
        a contributor right away is another question. His value is high due to he's a 7' and
        athletic.  | 
      
      
        IV. Who the team will probably take
        Whoever can be the biggest contributor right away, be it
        the pick or a trade for a veteran and a lower pick (Larry Hughes/Paul Pierce?) Maybe
        they'll trade Big Country, and keep Olowokandi. Deals are almost impossible to call these
        days. If they do trade the pick the Grizz will be looking to dump some salaries like
        Hurley's 4 million.  | 
      
      
        | V. Other
        offseason moves
         A) Own FA's  
         
        George Lynch 
        Probably gone, but might stick around for a reduced cap figure.  
        Sam Mack 
        The Grizzlies would like for him to stick around and be the sparkplug  
        off of the bench. 
         
        Blue Edwards 
        If Blue can get another job in the league that pays half decent he's  
        gone. 
         
        B) Other FA's 
         
        Jayson Williams F from the Nets 
        It's highly doubtful that the Grizzlies can get him but he'd be exactly  
        what the doctor ordered at the PF spot. Williams will sign with either  
        the Nets or a contender.  
         
        Travis Best G from the Pacers 
        Great playoffs have increased his value, and will likely resign with  
        the Pacers. 
         
        Any free agent that is a difference maker will be tough for the Grizzlies  
        to get till they become a lot more competitive. The Grizzlies will be  
        looking for minimum salary bargains.  
         
        C) Trades 
         
        Who knows, in these days of salary cap manipulation and massive free agency.  
        The Grizzlies only have three things that other teams really want 1) the no  
        2 pick 2) Shareef 3) Big Country. In order to trade for other pieces of  
        value the Grizz would likely have to give up one of these things. 
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