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In my Halloween post, I talked about my excitement for the upcoming season.  I am just going to enjoy it while I can, because who knows when I will be excited for an upcoming Grizzlies season again.  Here are 9 reasons why I am excited. (In no particular order)

1.       The Rookies

Carroll and Young have looked better than expected in the preseason thus far.  Even Thabeet has done some things at times that make me smile.  Carroll and Young have been playing so well that many fans want them in the starting lineup.  I have heard lineups like – Mayo, Young, Carroll, Randolph, and Gasol.  Not that I agree with these lineups, but I think all three rookies are going to contribute a lot this year.  And if Rudy keeps up his recent performances he might be looking over his shoulder at Carroll and Young.

2.       Iverson in a Grizzlies’ Uni

Allen Iverson in a Grizzlies’ uniform.  That just sounds crazy.  I am excited to see how this experiment works out this year.  There was a great piece on him last week from Scott Cacciola at the Commercial Appeal.

3.       OJ Mayo’s and Marc Gasol’s development

We might actually see a decrease in both players’ statistics, but I am looking forward to seeing how they have developed their game.  The acquisitions the Grizzlies made this offseason are going to mean fewer touches for Mayo and Gasol.  However, I am still excited to see how Gasol will fair with the weight he loss this offseason.  I also want to see if Mayo has developed a better all around game.  We have seen some flashes from both players in the preseason, but I want to see how they do throughout the entire season.

4.       Up Tempo Offense

It is just going to be more fun to watch.  We have the team for this style of offense.  This is also going to provide more shots for everyone, and that will keep everyone happier.

5.       The Team is Better

There is no question that the Grizzlies have improved from last year.  They made some controversial decisions, but none of them have made them worse than they were last year.  They had a successful draft overall, and their core from last year should so some improvement. 

6.       Randolph is Looking Good
Randolph’s play through the preseason has impressed me.  Not only does he look like he is in better shape, but he is playing hard.  Well, at least hard for Zach Randolph.  As expected, he is putting up some nice stats.  I am excited to seeing him carry this over to the regular season.

7.       Jaric and Milicic are Gone

Adios Marko and Darko.  So, no more Lima.  She was never at games anyways. 

8.       Fans in the Forum

The Grizzlies shot up to top 10 in the league in ticket sales.  Much of this is because of the Iverson signing, but I like to believe that Memphis is excited for the team in general.  The preseason has had the attendance of a Wham! cover band concert, but it is always like that in the preseason.  A packed house every now and then will be beneficial for the players and the city of Memphis.  What is even more exciting is that the Grizzlies can actually compete with everyone they play this year.

9.       It’s Contagious

Everyone is jacked for this year.  When everyone gets excited, it gets me excited.  We actually have something to look forward to.  The 3 year plan might not exactly be on track, but the Grizzlies are going to compete this year.  Heading into the offseason, no one believed that we could possibly make a push for the 8th seed in the playoffs.  That is best case scenario, and pretty doubtful, but it was completely unlikely in June. 
 
 
I have never seen this video, but maybe you guys have.  This interview is following the scrimmage at the USA Men's Basketball camp.  It is exciting to hear that Rudy was very impressive throughout the whole camp.  

I would be ecstatic if Rudy or O.J. made the team for Worlds.  The Grizzlies could grab some of that elusive positive press.  How often does the Grizzlies name come up overseas?  I would guess the Grizz come up in Spain.  They probably chat about our debacles with Pau, Navarro, and how Ricky had his fingers crossed we didn't pick him.  Oh, and whenever Grizz was doin' it up in Indonesia this offseason. 

It is such a great opportunity for Rudy, O.J., and the Grizzlies' organization.  I hope it works out for them.  What are the chances the Grizz are starting to think about getting Rudy locked up with an extension?  Hopefully good.