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Golden State Warriors: Southwest Division Preview

By Carlos Murillo

Oct 31, 2015; New Orleans, LA, USA; New Orleans Pelicans forward Anthony Davis (23) is guarded by Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green (23) during the first half of a game at Smoothie King Center. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 31, 2015; New Orleans, LA, USA; New Orleans Pelicans forward Anthony Davis (23) is guarded by Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green (23) during the first half of a game at Smoothie King Center. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports /
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Golden State Warriors
Nov 11, 2015; Memphis, TN, USA; Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (30) drives against Memphis Grizzlies guard Mike Conley (11) in the second quarter at FedExForum. Mandatory Credit: Nelson Chenault-USA TODAY Sports /

Memphis Grizzlies

2015-16: 42-40

The Memphis Grizzlies seem to always be right there. Every year, the Grit and Grind are winning a lot of basketball games in what is mostly considered an outdated manner. Can they keep doing it?

The Grizzlies have a lot of good things going for them. Marc Gasol is one of the most skilled big men in the league. Mike Conley, who signed the richest deal in NBA history, is a very solid point guard. Zach Randolph is going to come off the bench, giving their second unit a reliable scoring punch. They also made a really good move in free agency by signing Chandler Parsons.

Signing Parsons gives them the wing they’ve been missing over the last few years. He’s a versatile player that can space the floor and make plays for others. He can really help speed up an offense that played at the third slowest pace in the league last season.

Even with Parsons, some of their same problems will exist. Their athleticism and shooting will still be lacking. Tony Allen shoots like he gets paid to miss and Vince Carter’s knees retired a few years back. Their depth is a big question mark; they have some interesting pieces that new coach David Fizdale will have to find a way to maximize.

The Grizzles’ best three players have had a hard time staying on the court recently. Gasol and Parons have dealt with injuries that don’t go away easily. They’ll need all of their “Big Three” if they really want to compete.

Memphis has guys that know how to win basketball games. They’ve won a lot over the last few years. If they stay healthy, they should be able to do so again. With Gasol on the floor, they’re a legitimate to the post-Andrew Bogut Warriors.

But this team, with all of its injury histories, new coach, and shortage of valuable 2016 basketball skills probably won’t be contending for a title.

2016-17 Prediction: 48-34

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