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NBA Memphis Grizzlies

Memphis Grizzlies’ First Month Grade

Memphis Grizzlies' November Grade

Memphis Grizzlies
Joe Murphy-Getty Images

The NBA's Western Conference has been brutal for years now, leading to numerous very talented teams missing out on the playoffs. Last season, the minimum requirement was 49 wins while the Atlanta Hawks clinched the eighth seed in the Eastern Conference with just 38, further proving how difficult the West can be. So it really is a remarkable feat that the old-school style of the Memphis Grizzlies has them atop the West through the first month.

Offense

Courtney Lee
Joe Murphy-Getty Images

Offense

Courtney Lee
Joe Murphy-Getty Images

Grade: B-

Memphis is and has consistently been a middle-of-the pack offensive team without a go-to scorer of any kind. The team has heavily relied on starting shooting guard Courtney Lee to stretch the floor, a task that he has accepted while shooting an astounding 55.6 percent from three and 53 percent from the field. Relying on a career role player could spell trouble, so the Grizzlies must improve their offense to have continued success.

Defense

Marc Gasol
Joe Murphy-Getty Images

Defense

Marc Gasol
Joe Murphy-Getty Images

Grade: A

The Grizzlies are perhaps the sole franchise that is predicated on the defensive end. The team allows a mere 92.8 points per game and ranks ninth in rebounds per game with 42.9. Marc Gasol and Tony Allen both are tremendous defensive players who inflict fear upon their opponents night in and night out, which makes these Grizzlies a serious threat to any organization in the league.

Coaching

Dave Joerger
Christian Petersen-Getty Images

Coaching

Dave Joerger
Christian Petersen-Getty Images

Grade: A

Although Dave Joerger and the Grizzlies' front office had their issues over the offseason, winning is winning. Joerger has certainly excelled in the W's column, leading me to believe this team has fully moved on from Lionel Hollins and bought into Joerger's coaching ideology.

Draft Picks

Jordan Adams
Richard Rowe-Getty Images

Draft Picks

Jordan Adams
Richard Rowe-Getty Images

Grade: F

Memphis selected Jordan Adams and Jarnell Stokes with the 22nd and 35th picks respectively, but the two rookies have failed to crack the rotation thus far. Both rookies have been sent down to the team's D-League affiliate Iowa Energy to develop a bit before Joerger trusts them enough to insert them into the lineup.

Offseason Additions

Vince Carter
Joe Murphy-Getty Images

Offseason Additions

Vince Carter
Joe Murphy-Getty Images

Grade: D

Vince Carter was a highly-touted free agent last offseason, expected to provide a punch off the bench as he has for the Dallas Mavericks. Dallas was expected to re-sign the veteran swingman, but Carter shockingly signed with Memphis to bring some desperately needed points off the bench. However, Carter has vastly underperformed, averaging a career-low 5.5 PPG, 2.1 RPG and 1.3 APG.

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