The Growl

According to a new Salt Lake Tribune article the Boozer deal was nowhere close to happening with the Grizz.  There was one thing said that was ridiculous.  Luhm wrote, "But I can't come up with any trade scenarios involving Memphis that would have intrigued Utah, unless the Grizzlies would have been willing to put together some type of package involving O.J. Mayo, Rudy Gay and/or Marc Gasol".  Seriously?  There is no way in hell we would have had to give this much up.  Remember the 3 team trade that was going to go down with the Blazers, Bulls, and Jazz? Check it out here.  Basically, the only reason that deal didn't go through was because the Bulls wanted Bayless from the Blazers.  You can't tell me that O.J., Rudy, and/or Marc is equal to Tyrus Thomas!  I bet the Grizzlies could have offered up Darrell Arthur and somebody else to the Jazz.  That probably would have been enough at that point.

In Marc Stein's "Latest Chatter", there is a new story about how the Grizzlies had an opportunity to land Boozer earlier this offseason.  Coach Hollins convinced them not to, and that Randolph was a better answer at Power Forward.  This is not making any sense to me.  First of all, Boozer is a better player.  He fits in more than Randolph.  The bad thing that comes along with Boozer is his history of injuries.  But, Randolph has a terrible history too.  Boozer only has one year left on his cheaper contract.  No character issues.  I don't know, it just doesn't make any sense to me.

Stein also reported on Heisley's status to sell the team.  He remains "open" to the idea.  He said noone is currently interested, but if something comes along he will sell it.  I wish something would come along.  We need to find an owner who isn't afraid to spend some money, and who isn't afraid to let the GM and others do their jobs.

There was also a note that the Grizz are the third team looking at Jamaal Tinsley.  I would love to have Tinsley in here as a back up that could put some pressure on Conley.  I know we are signing Marcus Williams, but that should just be our back up plan.  We should still be actively trying to get either J-Will, Sessions, or Tinsley.

Some big things happened while I was on vaca and at the work desk.  I had some thoughts on them, and…I’m feeling a list.

1.      The Grizz went undefeated in summer league.

It was sweet to see Sam Young and Demarre Carroll succeed in their NBA debuts.  I also enjoyed seeing some improvements from Darrell and Hamed.  Marcus Williams had some impressive games and showed the potential to take Jaric’s spot (we can only hope).  I don’t want to say that Hasheem was disappointing, because it is pretty much what I expected.  I agree with Chip’s thoughts on this.

2.      The Randolph deal went through.

I am happy with the way he has been talking so far, but we all know it does not matter until he proves he is ready to change.  I have a hope that he will turn his act around just enough.  Maybe in the way that Rasheed did with the Pistons.  I can only think of one reason he is going to do this.  Money.  He has 2 years left on his contract and there is no way in hell he is making that kind of money on his next one.  If he even wants to be signed for a decent amount, he is going to need to show improvement in his attitude, durability, and game.  I hope that Memphis is the place he chooses to change the perspective people have of him.  A.I. showed that with th economy and a bad perspective from teams it is hard to even get the MLE.  Which brings me to number 3.

3.      The Iverson Stuff

I am completely game for getting Iverson on the Grizz.  I think he has enough in the tank to make a huge difference on our team.  I know he is just another scorer who needs his touches, and we have plenty of those players.  What we do not have, nor have ever had, is one of the best 40 players in NBA history.  Let’s look at two things, he is going to be productive if he is used the right way.  He is going to get fans and support in Memphis.  We can do that for the mid level exception?  Are you serious!  Please get him.  It is a one-year thing. If it does not work out then how much worse off are we because of it?  Not much.  This is such a great opportunity for the team.  If we looked back one year ago, and this same offer was in front of us, we would have taken it in an instant.  We would have given into his demands too (he would start).  We would have traded Mike Conley and others for him.  Now, we don't want to hurt Mike's feelings or hurt his development.  People would have been bouncing off the walls if we had landed him.  The perception is the only thing that has changed in the last year with him.  His skills and what he brings to the table from fans has not. 

4.      SLAM Magazine is our new affiliate.

BIU is going to be featuring a “Slam of the Week” throughout the season, and we will be doing a “Great Slam” post throughout the summer from time to time.  If you have nominees that you think should be featured send me an email at ollerblueboy@gmail.com.  If you have a Youtube clip you can send that would be great.  These do not just have to be NBA slams.  They can be anything from high school, college, D-League, AAU, backyard ballin, streetballin, 3 on 3's, dunk contests, and anything else I forgot.  We are looking forward to working with SLAM magazine.   

Ok that’s enough.  Those are the big things.      

 

I am back to posting after this month long hiatus.  Sorry for the time away, but I had to deal with vacations and work the past month.  I was considering joining grizzfans.com as a contributor, but I didn't get to contribute during the last month based on my schedule.  It was nice of Jenks to allow me to join and I want to thank him.  But, I think having my own blog is nice.  This way I don't feel as bad if I don't get a post in for awhile, because it is my blog.  So, hopefully we can get back in a groove writing.