| Grizzlies Midseason Analysis Authored by Patrick J. Austin - February 8, 2005 - 2:04 pm
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The Grizz got off to a tumultuous start this year. The team didn’t play with the same effort and consistency as last season and dug themselves into a deep hole. This lead to the resignation of head coach Hubie Brown. Watching Brown leave was tough. He was a key factor to the team’s amazing turnaround last season.
Stepping in to replace Hubie was another veteran coach, Mike “the Czar” Fratello. Mike gave up his cushy tv gig and took over a potentially volatile situation in Memphis. Amazingly, his presence helped get the Grizzlies back on track. The passion that our team played with last season was rekindled thanks to Fratello’s emphasis on defense and uptempo offense. Though it should be pointed out that Fratello is using the same game plan as Hubie Brown. So why is it working now, rather than before? To be honest, I’m not really sure. Maybe the players just needed a new voice, a new leader.
Today, we are six games over .500 and beating some quality teams. If the playoffs started tomorrow, we’d have a strong hold on the seventh seed and would have to go up against the Phoenix Suns. To be honest, I like the position we’re in. The Suns are not a team designed for playoff success and are certainly beatable in the first round.
The trade deadline is quickly approaching and many are wondering whether or not Jerry West will pull off a blockbuster deal. A month ago, the answer would be yes. But due to the team’s resurgence, I can’t see Jerry making a major move. I’m sure he’d love to get his hands on a high impact post presence but none are available. There were rumors about a Baron Davis deal, but those fizzled after Jason Williams started to play well and Baron Davis re-injured himself. Unless a team is willing to give away a star, I believe the Grizzlies will stand pat and let the trade deadline pass.
The outlook for the rest of this season seems bright. If the Grizz can keep up their stellar play, it wouldn’t surprise me to see them climb up a few spots in the playoff standings; and when the postseason arrives, anything can happen. |
