Grizzlies Prepare for 2008-'09 Campaign
City of Memphis gloomy after back-to-back 22-60 seasons
Rudy Gay & Co. look to improve on dismal '07-'08 mark
Memphis, TN -- Things looked to be on the upside for the Grizzlies' franchise when the team went to the playoffs for three straight years. Despite first round exits in each of the three seasons, the city and team remained optimistic. However, in the past couple of seasons, the Grizz have managed to win only 44 of 164 contests; this ratio giving Memphis a .268 winning percentage.
In 2008-'09, though, the Grizzlies have regained their positive outlook. With the fifth overall pick in the draft, Memphis selected Kevin Love, the ever-so-smooth big man out of UCLA. The Grizzlies turned around and made a trade with the Minnesota Timberwolves, bringing over the third pick, the sensational combo-guard out of USC, O.J. Mayo. The sky is the limit for the young Mayo, and his young and talented teammates will do nothing but improve themselves. Surrounding the newcomer are second-year point guard Mike Conley and the third-year swingman Rudy Gay.
Coach Marc Iavaroni and his staff are excited to guide this exceptional group of youngsters into battle in the coming campaign:
Starting Lineup:
Mike Conley, #11, PG
6'1", 180 lbs., 21 Years Old, Second Year Pro
Stats: 9.4 PPG, 2.6 RPG, 4.2 APG ('07-'08 w/ MEM)
O.J. Mayo, #32, SG
6'4", 210 lbs., 20 Years Old, Rookie
Stats: 20.7 PPG, 4.5 RPG, 3.3 APG ('07-'08 w/ Southern Cal)
Rudy Gay, #22, SF
6'8", 222 lbs., 22 Years Old, Third Year Pro
Stats: 20.2 PPG, 6.2 RPG, 2.0 APG ('07-'08 w/ MEM)
Hakim Warrick, #21, PF
6'9", 215 lbs., 26 Years Old, Fourth Year Pro
Stats: 11.4 PPG, 4.8 RPG, .7 APG ('07-'08 w/ MEM)
Darko Milicic, #31, C
7', 275 lbs., 23 Years Old, Sixth Year Pro
Stats: 7.2 PPG, 6.1 RPG, 1.6 BPG ('07-'08 w/ MEM)
Bench:
Kyle Lowry, #1, G
9.7 PPG, 3.1 RPG, 3.6 APG ('07-'08 w/ MEM)
Marko Jaric, #55, G
8.3 PPG, 3 RPG, 4.2 APG ('07-'08 w/ MIN)
Marc Gasol, #33, F/C
Rookie
Darrell Arthur, #00, F
Rookie
Antoine Walker, #8, F
8 PPG, 3.7 RPG, 1 APG ('07-'08 w/ MIN)
Javaris Crittenton, #3, G
5.6 PPG, 2.2 RPG, 1 APG ('07-'08 w/ LAL & MEM)