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NBA Offseason Wrap Up: Out West, the Warriors reign supreme

By Daniel Schmahl

NBA Golden State Warriors Stephen Curry (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
NBA Golden State Warriors Stephen Curry (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images) /
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ATLANTA, GA – OCTOBER 21: Mike Conley #11 of the Memphis Grizzlies congratulates Marc Gasol #33 in the final seconds of their 82-81 win over the Atlanta Hawks at Philips Arena on October 21, 2015 in Atlanta, Georgia. NOTE TO USER User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading andor using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
ATLANTA, GA – OCTOBER 21: Mike Conley #11 of the Memphis Grizzlies congratulates Marc Gasol #33 in the final seconds of their 82-81 win over the Atlanta Hawks at Philips Arena on October 21, 2015 in Atlanta, Georgia. NOTE TO USER User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading andor using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) /

11.  Memphis Grizzlies

Key additions: Kyle Anderson (FA), Garrett Temple (FA), Omri Casspi (FA), Jaren Jackson Jr. (draft)

Key losses: Tyreke Evans (FA), Jarell Martin (FA), Ben Mclemore (FA)

GETTING MIKE CONLEY BACK will be huge for the Memphis Grizzlies. Once a man who signed the richest contract in NBA history, Conley historically makes the Grizzlies much better. Something to look back on: Memphis was 7-5 last year with a +1.5 point-differential with Conley in the lineup, with victories over Golden State, Houston (twice!), New Orleans, and at Portland.

Dating back to 2010, the Grizz’ have a .609 winning percentage (299-192) with Conley in the lineup compared to a .507 winning percentage (34-33) without him. They didn’t sign him in free agency but his presence will be a huge addition on the floor and in the locker room.

I also think Memphis made a great move in signing Kyle Anderson to a four-year, $37.2 million deal. They didn’t overpay and got a guy who’s about to hit his prime, is 6-foot-10 with guard vision and ball handling, fits the modern league really well, and graded out analytically as a tremendous defender the last few seasons. He should start from day one alongside Conley, Dillon Brooks, rookie Jaren Jackson Jr., and Marc Gasol.

Omri Casspi and Garrett Temple are two journeymen who have been brought to town to mentor a young locker room, and they should fit the role well. They are both professionals whose value goes beyond their on-court production. The $10 million Memphis has invested in them will go much farther than $12 million would have to bring Tyreke Evans back. Between them and Conley/Gasol locked up for a few more years, the Grizz’ are building on the fly while remaining somewhat competitive, a necessity for one of the league’s smallest markets.

Another bonus: Jackson Jr. looks like he could be the NBA’s next unicorn. At 6’10 with long arms and quick feet, he could be a lethal switch-everything stretch-five one day. He already has elite shot blocking skills combined with a good stroke from deep and he hasn’t even turned 20. He could easily end up being the best player in this draft. Between Jackson Jr., Anderson, and the intriguing Brooks, the Grizzlies have a nice, young foundation coupled with a few talented vets. J.B. Bickerstaff’s team should vastly improve off a miserable 22-win campaign if they remain healthy but are far from playoff contention.

Grizzlies projected record: 38-44

Grizzlies chances of beating the Warriors in a playoff series: 1 percent

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