NBA Memphis Grizzlies

2015 NBA All-Star Game: Early Prediction For Memphis Grizzlies

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By @b2brennan

Memphis Grizzlies

Spruce Derden – USA Today Sports

The Memphis Grizzlies have arguably been the best team in the NBA this year. Their roster is loaded with talent, and they play in a stacked Western Conference which makes it extremely difficult to predict the All-Stars for this squad. Look no further than Memphis’ “big three”: Mike Conley, Marc Gasol and Zach Randolph.

First, Conley has been outstanding this season. He gets better every year and is putting together one of the best seasons of his career. Averaging 17.6 PPG and 6.4 APG, Conley has been one of the most efficient point guards in the NBA. A great defender, leader and clutch presence adds to his offensive ability, and these are the reasons I have him as an All-Star reserve in the West.

Next on the list is Gasol. In my opinion, he is the best center in the NBA. He is averaging just under 20 PPG and eight RPG and is second in the NBA among centers when it comes to assists. Not only does he dominate on defense, he is one of the very few big men who can run an offense at the top of key. From shot-blocking to top-of-the-key passing, he has it all. Once known as “the other Gasol,” Marc not only passed his brother but every other center in the league. He’s a shoo-in for All-Star weekend this year.

Randolph rounds out the big three in Memphis. Commonly known as Z-Bo, he is a freight train in the paint. A monster on the offensive glass with a well-rounded offensive game, Randolph has put up 16.4 PPG and 11.4 RPG. He has built a stellar career since his days with the Portland Trail Blazers and has been a huge piece of the Grizzlies’ lineup for years now. He can take over a game with his low-post scoring, but he’s also savvy enough to play off his teammates. Unfortunately for Z-Bo, the Western Conference is stacked with power forwards, therefore I’m going to have him on the outside looking in this season — but not because he doesn’t deserve it.

The Grizz have some of the best bench and role players in the league, and that has been a big part of their team’s success. But players like that typically aren’t in All-Star consideration, so outside of Memphis’ big three there really isn’t an All-Star worthy player.

Prediction: Marc Gasol starting center for the West, Mike Conley a reserve

Brian Brennan is a Portland Trail Blazers writer for www.Rantsports.com. Follow him on twitter @b2brennan.

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