Don't look now, but the Memphis Grizzlies are quietly second in the western conference with a 5-1 record. The fifth win a beatdown of the reining champion Heat. This version of the Memphis Grizzlies has been two years in the making, even if the faces haven't changed.
Two years ago the Grizzles came to within a game of reaching the western conference finals. Rudy Gay was lost for the majority of the year (including the playoffs) with a shoulder injury. At the time of his injury, Rudy was having a career year. Zack Randolph became a star in Memphis during those playoffs. We were left to wonder what could have been with a healthy Gay.
Last year Rudy returned to start the lock out shortened season, but Randolph was lost early with a knee injury. The condensed schedule may have forced Randolph back prematurely, because he was clearly not at full strength when the Grizzlies lost in 7 games to the Clippers in the first round (and yes...the better team won Clippers fans). But we were once again left to wonder what could have been, this time with a healthy Z-Bo.
Health wise, so far so good this year (knock on wood) for the Grizzlies starting lineup. And the results are what we've been finally waiting for. Gay is still the leading scorer, averaging just under 20 points a game. Randolph is healthy and leading the league in rebounds (14.5 per game). He also has a double double every game this year. Mike Conley and Tony Allen are the best defensive back court in the league, evidenced by the Grizzles leading the league in steals the past two years...and so far this year. And Gasol is the most versatile big man in the league. He can shoot jumpers and free throws, and can play big in the paint. He also averages 5 assists a game so far.
The Grizzlies may finally have the one thing they were lacking, a balanced offense to go along with a great defense. It's still early but I really like what I see from the Grizz so far. follow @plcolter
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