The Grizzlies Big Market off season

LeBron James has officially made his decision. And free agency...which has been held hostage by said James the past two weeks...has officially resumed. With most of the big puzzle pieces in place, we can get a better picture of what the 2014-15 NBA rosters will look like.

Folks down in Bluff City, Tennessee are liking what they see.

The Cleveland Cavaliers are the obvious off season winners, and one could argue that the Grizzlies were...quietly... second best in that regard. Memphis was able to add depth at positions, while addressing needs at other positions....all while staying true to their Grit & Grind philosophy.

Most importantly, Memphis put themselves in a position to obtain their ultimate goal this year.

For starters, the Grizzlies were able to retain the services of their best player, and face of the franchise Zach Randolph. A move that made sense on and off the court. On the court, you return a top ten power forward to your lineup. A player that's still capable of getting you 20/10 for the next couple of years. Off the court, it's endearing to the community...and sends a message that Memphis is a worthy destination.

Hard to make that sales pitch if your best players are always bolting.

From a financial perspective, Randolph's team friendly 2 year 20 million dollar extension won't leave Memphis cash strapped going forward.

In the draft, Memphis was able to add depth, while filling a need. First round pick Jordan Adams, a shooting guard from UCLA, gives the Grizzlies a much needed swing man that can shoot the 3. Memphis ranked dead last in 3 pointers attempted and made last year.

But it was another stat that made Adams leap off the page....

He led the Pac- 12 in steals per game. The Grizzlies pride themselves on great defense, finishing no lower than 4th in the league in steals three of the past four years. Tops in the league in 2010, and 2011..........

..................... sorry, I was just imagining a point guard trying to dribble through a Jordan Adams / Tony Allen half court trap......

OK, moving on.

In the second round the Grizzlies selected Memphis native Jarnell Stokes, who grew up a big fan of the team...and it's style of play. Stokes took that Grit & Grind mentality to the University of Tennessee, where he was one of only three players to average a double double in division I conference play last year. He also became the school's all time leader in offensive rebounds.

And he played just over two years.

A Memphian indeed, the Grizzlies were the third best offensive rebounding team in the league last year. Stokes will be the prototypical Z-Bo protege, hopefully playing well enough to bring Randolph's minutes down over the course of the season.

Sealing the deal on an already successful run so far, the Grizzlies replaced departing sharp shooter Mike Miller with Vince Carter...who just signed a three year free agent deal.

First of all, kudos to owner Robert Pera for not allowing Miller to "decision" them while he figured out if he could reunite with LeBron. Acting swiftly on Carter was a wise move.

Although he's no longer half man half amazing, Carter brings a skill set to the table the Grizzlies sorely missed in last year's playoffs.....a clutch three point shooter off the bench that can create his own shot. That's where Carter is an upgrade over Miller, he can still put the ball on the floor and create if he's run off the three point line.

Vinsanity led the league in three pointers made from a bench player the last two years, with over 300. We also know that he's not afraid to take, and make the last shot.

Ain't that right Manu Ginobli?

All in all, a great off season for a small market team like Memphis. Not only do they keep themselves Western Conference competitive after posting consecutive 50 plus win seasons, but they also keep themselves in play for the ultimate prize.

Marc Gasol.

The best center in the NBA will be the crown jewel of next year's free agent class. He has a rare ability to make bruit force play look graceful. He can bang in the paint, rebound, shoot the floater, hit his free throws, pass like a guard, and defend like a center.

Although Memphis cannot officially start negotiations with Gasol until December, they have certainly given him every reason to stay. If the Grizzlies want to compete with the big boys, then they have to do what the big boys do.

So far so good, Mr. Pera.