NBA: Re-Ranking The Western Conference After Free Agency

Apr 27, 2015; Portland, OR, USA; Memphis Grizzlies center Marc Gasol (33) posts up against Portland Trail Blazers forward LaMarcus Aldridge (12) during the first quarter in game four of the first round of the NBA Playoffs at the Moda Center. Mandatory Credit: Craig Mitchelldyer-USA TODAY Sports

Memphis Grizzlies

2014-15 Record: 55-27

2015-16 Projected Wins: 48-55

Ah, the Memphis Grizzlies — quietly going about their offseason business by locking up Marc Gasol to a long term deal.

Memphis is going to do what they do best. They’re going to play great defense, slow the game to a halt and rely on Gasol and Zach Randolph to beat up your bigs down low. And, for the most part, that worked against nearly every team in the NBA.

Unfortunately, they ran into the one team in the NBA that it doesn’t work on in the postseason. While giving the Warriors a bit of trouble in games 1-3, one adjustment, which took Tony Allen completely out of the series, was too much for Memphis to overcome.

The Grizzlies will be back, but with how much the NBA is changing, I’m not sure how far they’ll go this season. Surely a candidate to take a step back, despite returning their entire team.

Next: No. 5 Los Angeles Clippers