2008-2009 Finish: 47-35

What went well

Perhaps some of the biggest news last summer in the NLL came when long time GM Deckard announced his retirement. For a GM who took his team to the playoffs each and every season, the allure of fencing practice and Austrian sausages must have been pretty strong to encourage retirement, especially after nothing quite finding the elusive formula to make it to the Finals. With such a big hole to fill, new GM Rasho had some big shoes to fill.

The season began with the usual cast returning. Those looking for a competition between Jameer Nelson and Jose Calderon would be sorely disappointed as Nelson went down for the entire season with injury. Like a well-greased wheel, the Grizzlies performed well, winning games and making the playoffs again, although they couldn't rival the division-winning record of the prior season. GM Rasho made no moves during the season, gliding on Deckard's successful team-building. Even after Stephen Jackson called it a season, the team was deep enough to push into the playoffs.

What went bad

But obviously not good enough. A tight series against Lebron James and the Clippers would highlight the holes in the Grizzlies plan. Still, making the playoffs as a rookie GM is a nice feat, something some veteran GMs have never been able to achieve. As the team moved into the draft, Grizzlies fans held their collective breath that Rasho didn't do anything stupid once trading started up again.

Stars

- Chris Bosh, C-

Bosh continues to be one of the top players in the game. He is clearly the leader of the Grizzlies and a season average of 22.3 ppg and 9.8 rpg is really good, if not a slip dip from last season. He even played most of the season at center, which may soon become his natural position.


- Rashard Lewis, F –

Lewis continued to work hard this season for Grizzlies, trying to shut up naysayers that he is overpaid. Though his numbers are down in comparison to his days with Denver and Portland, Shard didn't have to be The Man in Memphis when surrounded by Sjax, Bosh and Calderon. He did improve his 3 point shooting but this season was more or less the same statistically as his other season in Memphis.


Looking to the future

GM Rasho made two trades, one big and one small, once the season ended. First, he sent young center DeAndre Jordan to the Bucks for a 1st rounder. Not too big of a deal. But, the other trade? He sent star Lewis, Alando Tucker and the rights to Omri Casspi for Emanuel Ginobili and Josh Boone. Though it does get the team out of the tutelage of Shard's contract, Gino has been injury-plagued, is a similar player to Sjax and Boone is a benchie for sure. Was it too much for Rasho to give up? Probably, but it doesn't hurt his team too badly.

In the draft, the Grizzlies selected big man B.J. Mullens at pick 20. Mullens is anything but an instant solution. He is a project and going to need a lot of work. In fact, the Ohio State freshman should have stayed in college. Also selected was Robert Vaden who is going to struggle to make the team.

Right now, the Grizzlies stand with 10 signed players and almost $7 million over the cap. Marvin Williams still needs to be re-signed. The team can compete as is, but perhaps another blue chip player would really help out. Sjax has already been asked to be traded and there is no reason to have both Nelson and Calderon on the same squad. Also, there is a hole at power forward. The Grizzlies could play Williams there but then will want a bigger wing than Sjax. If Matt Harpring retires, it will make a little difference, keeping the team away from the luxury tax, but then it will be another roster slot to fill. Rasho will need to use the MLE wisely and sign some key minimum guys.