The Memphis Grizzlies look to heal their wounds this offseason

By Nick Hamilton LOS ANGELES, CA

(Compton

Bulletin)

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The Memphis Grizzlies look to pick up the pieces after being annihilated in Game 6 at the hands of the Los Angeles Lakers 125-85 on Friday night.

THE Grizzlies were the No. 2 seed in the Western Conference most of the season despite the distractions and suspension of their superstar in Ja Morant. Although Memphis put up some amazing performances in a few games in the first round series nothing compared to the hunger and execution of the Lakers led by LeBron James and Anthony Davis in the close out Game 6.

Dillion Brooks, who wrote a check his behind couldn’t cash, came up empty in the final two games of the series as James reminded him not to poke the bear. Brooks comments after Memphis’ Game 2 victory regarding James being old fired up the wrong team. As result Mem- phis caught the ‘old man’ hands of James and company for the rest of the series.

In the Grizzlies exit interviews, some players resented the trash talking, including Morant, who decided to keep it at a bare minimum. However, Brooks vowed to continue the trash talking regardless, and that talk could see him in a different uniform next season.

Memphis general manger and President of Basketball Operations Zach Kleiman told the media that the trash talking will be taking “a different approach next season” when it comes to his team.

Many questions have sparked about this team moving as far as do they have enough veteran presence in the locker room. Is the leadership on one accord with the team, coaches and front office? Do they have a discipline enough head coach that can lead this team into the promise land of the NBA Finals?

One thing is for certain: Morant is a bonafide superstar but his actions off the court will determine if he can truly lead this team on the court moving forward. Memphis will continue to be aggressive with trades in order to upgrade the roster to be more competitive next season. Look for the team to explore options with various positions including some depth on the bench.

After extending Jaren Jackson Jr. a couple of seasons ago to a long term deal, and most recently Morant, be on the lookout for Desmond Bane to get a big time extension sooner than later.

The lesson for the Grizzlies next season should be to focus on getting better, remaining healthy and let your play on the court speak volumes instead using the press for your quotes. Learn a lesson from Brooks who punked out when his words did not align with his actions. Lose the distractions and this team could be a force to handle in the playoffs in the coming seasons.

*Brooks was also fined $25,000 for not speaking to the media the final two games of the series against the Lakers.