NBA: Looking At What Lies Ahead This Summer For Every Eliminated Playoff Team

April 20, 2016; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Clippers forward Blake Griffin (32) and guard Chris Paul (3) react from the bench against Portland Trail Blazers during the first half at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
April 20, 2016; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Clippers forward Blake Griffin (32) and guard Chris Paul (3) react from the bench against Portland Trail Blazers during the first half at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
2 of 13
Next
Jan 30, 2016; Memphis, TN, USA; Memphis Grizzlies center Marc Gasol (33) during the second half against the Sacramento Kings at FedExForum. Memphis Grizzlies defeated the Sacramento Kings 121-117. Mandatory Credit: Justin Ford-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 30, 2016; Memphis, TN, USA; Memphis Grizzlies center Marc Gasol (33) during the second half against the Sacramento Kings at FedExForum. Memphis Grizzlies defeated the Sacramento Kings 121-117. Mandatory Credit: Justin Ford-USA TODAY Sports /

Memphis Grizzles

Memphis was quickly exterminated from the NBA playoffs by the San Antonio Spurs in four quick games in which three of those were decided by over 20 points. This can not and will not stop Memphis from being back next year in full stride.

Here are three things that they need to do to get them back in top shape:

  1. They need to retain Mike Conley this offseason.
  2. They need to choose the right coach.
  3. They need a better surrounding cast.

Being dominated in the playoffs was in some aspects a fluke as the injury bug not only affected them, but doomed them. With Marc Gasol and Mike Conley both out due to injury, it was impossible to expect them to even compete with the top dogs in the playoffs.

As an unrestricted free agent, Conley will need to come back for them to have a chance; so, this is their number one priority heading into the offseason. Secondly, they need to hire a quality coach. NBA vets such as Jeff Hornacek (ex-Suns coach) and Frank Vogel (recently fired Pacers coach) have shown interest in the position.

Thirdly, they will need a better supporting cast around Gasol and Conley. With names such as Joe Johnson, Kent Bazemore, Nic Batum, Evan Turner, and many more all at cheaper value than the major players, the Grizzles need to snag at least one if not two of these key roles players to upgrade their team in order to finally become contenders for the NBA Championship.

Next: Detroit Pistons