Predicting the Memphis Grizzlies’ 2014-15 Win Total

By Nathan Grubel @The_Only_Grubes on October 23, 2014

How many times have the Memphis Grizzlies been oh so close to getting to the NBA Finals? Okay, not as many times as I would like to think, but the Grizzlies have been a fixture in the playoffs for a number of years now despite being in the loaded Western Conference.

However, with all of the changes in management, uncertainty has clouded the team lately. But the players have remained optimistic and positive regarding the on-court matters, and that has shown through their play throughout last season and this preseason. Even with everything going on in the front office, Memphis was still able to sign Vince Carter away from the Dallas Mavericks, and the draft picks of Jordan Adams and Jarnell Stokes could really prove to be positive selections, both with upside and a chance to win spots in the rotation.

These additions, coupled with the continued development of rising stars Mike Conley and Marc Gasol, should prove to push Memphis out of the cellar of the middle of the conference and into the attic of championship contenders.

Defensively, the team should continue to reign above most clubs, with Gasol being the anchor on that end of the floor. Conley, along with wing defenders Tony Allen and Quincy Pondexter, will be able to make things a living nightmare for their opponents, with all three players being great at getting deflections and forcing turnovers in order to get out on the break. The Grizzlies have been quietly accumulating younger talent to pair with veteran playmakers, and that should be reason to push the ball even more and get out in the open court. Offensively, the Grizzlies should be better at shooting the ball than last season, with Pondexter returning from injury and Carter joining the team. Not to mention Conley has been making improvements and tweaking his release in order to become more accurate from deep.

This Grizzlies team has the talent and depth to really go far this season, and I would not be surprised at all if they ended up being one of the best teams in the Western Conference. If they stay relatively healthy, this team projects to be a top four seed in the conference, and even have home-court advantage in the playoffs. Expect big things from the Grizzlies this season, even if their past suggests they will come up short.

Projected Regular Season Record: 55-27

Nathan Grubel is a Memphis Grizzlies writer for Rant Sports. Follow him on Twitter @The_Only_Grubes, “Like” him on Facebook or add him to your network on Google.