Memphis Grizzlies End of Season Wrap Up

Predicted Outcome: 38-44, fourth place Southwest Division
Finished: 46-36, fourth place Southwest Division, 7-6 playoffs

The Memphis Grizzlies had a history making season. Not only did they advance to the playoffs for the first time in more than five years, they also advanced past the first round for the first time in team history defeating of all teams, the San Antonio Spurs. No one expected such an upset as the Spurs sported the best record in the Western Conference and were odds on favorites to reach the Western Conference Finals; however, they faced a shocking and embarrassing defeat at the hands of the Grizzlies, who were the lowest seed in the playoffs. Memphis also came one game shy of making the Western Conference Finals. They played an epic Conference Semi-Final series against the Oklahoma City Thunder and lost in the final game. Overall, the Memphis Grizzlies had a storybook ending to what has been an exceptional season; and it was all thanks to one man.

Since Zach Randolph had entered the league he has always been burdened with a reputation that has hindered his chances of being respected as a player. He has been called an immature knuckle-head and portrayed as a spoiled brat, violent hooligan, and a team pariah throughout his entire career. After a dreadful season with the New York Knicks, Randolph got shipped over to Memphis to finish the final years of his contract. Randolph was expected to disappear after his contract ended along with his numerous antics that had left a black eye on the teams he had played for; however, that did not happen. Instead, Zach Randolph emerged as the veteran leader for this young and up and coming team. He became the player that many observers thought he could never be. In Memphis, Zach Randolph reinvented himself; he had become a more mature player and a positive role-model for this young Grizzlies. (Click to finish reading this post and much more on JT's Hoopsblog)