The Phoenix Suns last 3 games:

@ SAS: Loss, Spurs clinch HCA in playoffs
@ DAL: Loss, Mavs clinch playoffs
MEM: Loss, Grizz clinch playoffs & eliminates Suns from playoffs.


So in 2 years, is the Suns team and organization better off for this near playoff run than say the Sixers who have allowed their youngsters get beaten down, but now have a better draft pick because of it or with the Sixers be better off? How about in 6 years?

I'm rooting for the Suns to win the lottery. Or at least magically land in the top 5. I know, snowball's chance.

Only Grizzlies fan cheering in a bar full of Maverick fans.

When did they most angry?

Conley free throws with a second to go. They were furious, while I was so happy.

Not good news.

Nick Calathes suspended for 20 games for failed drug test.

Good thing they picked up Beno Udrih, but this is a big problem.

http://tracking.si.com/2014/04/18/grizzlies-nick-calathes-suspended-20-games/

That's a bunch of bull sh..

Hopefully it won't make any real difference. 16 minutes / game regular season is like 8 mpg in the playoffs.

Tamoxifen is sold over the counter for the treatment of breast cancer (including the rare male breast cancer) and possibly for bi-polar meds. It's not exactly something you find in cough syrup or allergy medication. So unless Nick is suffering from cancer or is bi-polar the only reason he could have used it for is as a complement for a steroids cycle. Nobody takes Tamoxifen for the heck of it, people stack it with other drugs to boost testosterone without getting the unwanted side-effects.

Really disappointing, and I don't think an "accident".

Conley received NBA Sportsmanship Award.

And in true Memphis fashion, in the middle of fans congratulating him on the award, a Memphis fan on twitter asks for free tickets to the game.

[This message has been edited by Iowaggie (edited 4/24/2014 10:31a).]

I really like Conley.

I hated watching him miss those big free throws the other night. I really like watching him succeed.

Just a great player who doesn't do the "look at me" garbage that is so rampant around the league.

It was a good year guys, it's too bad they couldn't pull it out against the Thunder. Really felt if they got past them they had a chance to make it out of the West this year.

My guess for what happens to next year's roster.

I think Prince has no trade value, but will have value when his contract comes off the books.

People keep talking about Zach opting out, and redoing his deal for extra years. Not sure that will happen, but I think Zach returns.

Conley, Gasol, CLee, Tony Allen, Koufos, QPon, Calathes, Leuer, Franklin are all under contract for next year, and I expect all those guys to return, but wouldn't be shocked if someone got traded.

Free agents:
Miller: Barring Pat Riley and Lebron calling up Mike and asking him to return, I think he returns for another year.

James Johnson: The fact he didn't play much makes me think he won't return, especially with Pondexter returning. I am sure there is a reason he doesn't stick with teams very long, but he was fun to watch.

Ed Davis: If JJ does return, it will be at the expense of Ed who I could see going to the Hornets, Toronto, or somewhere East.

Beno Udrih: Grizzlies wanted him before, and made a waiver claim to get him and having Calathes still sitting 13 games after the start of the season. Could definitely see him returning or going back to Europe to play.

Hopefully next season won't be so injury plagued.

Something is cookin in Memphis (according to radio-not Vince Young Radio, either).

Robert Pera has dismissed assistant GM, Stu Lash.

CEO Jason Levien ready to resign.

Coach Joerger and John Hollinger status uncertain.

http://basketball.realgm.com/wiretap/233490/Jason-Levien-Expected-To-Step-Down-As-Grizzlies-CEO

Levien now gone.

Chris Wallace back in charge.

[This message has been edited by Iowaggie (edited 5/19/2014 2:38p).]

Bill Simmons ‏@BillSimmons 55m
Hearing that, if the Grizz totally clean house, the Memphis owner will look to trade for Tom Thibodeau + give him an SVG/Pistons-type deal.



I doubt that. I think Joerger is safe.

^ Agree with you that I do not think Joerger gets fired.

I've heard the thibbs rumors as well. Not sure how much truth is to them.

FWIW:

quote:

---

Gary Parrish ‏@GaryParrishCBS 16m
RT @JerryZgoda: Per source: Dave Joerger wants out of Memphis and they want him out. He won't quit and they don't want to pay, so...

---

When asked for comment:

What in the world is going on over there?

What retarded management. They never should have fired Hollins. I wonder if that was the owner's call and the GM and other management didn't want to go along with it, and that's why they're getting fired/resigning.

Looks like I quit a bad week to quit sniffing glue.

Apparently Levien was pro Dave Joerger.

Robert Pera (owner) was considering letting Joerger go mid season when Gasol was injured and Grizz were in 10th place or so.


The Timberwolves called to get permission to talk to Joerger.
The story said Levien didn't want to give permission, Pera wanted to let Joerger talk to the T'Wolves.

Tony Allen is the first player to come out and talk.

He basically backed Pera, and said he is ambitious and a good dude. He spoke to him after everything has gone down.

Besides Marc, probably the most important Grizzlie to come out and speak.

quote:

---

Tamoxifen is sold over the counter

---

No

Interesting, or ironic, where this thread is, given the first post to start the thread.

So, RobertPera just did a fan Q&A on twitter.

Joerger is returning as coach. Apparently Pera sweetened the contract.

When all this happened, Pera and him had their first 1 on 1 conversation.

Also, he claimed Central BBQ was his favorite place to eat in Memphis, even thought (the overrated) Rendezvous is sponsor.


So, I guess its all good?






[This message has been edited by Iowaggie (edited 6/11/2014 4:54p).]

To not clutter up the Finals thread, here is a discussion question going on elsewhere.

If the Miami Heat could trade any player (besides LeBron) for Marc Gasol, would they do it?

i.e. would the Heat be better playing with Bosh (or Wade) or with Gasol, given the rest of their roster construction

I think Bosh at the 5 expanding his range to the 3 really helps their spacing and their driving lanes. If you replaced Wade w/ Gasol though I think it's no question, I think it gives them more lineup flexibility.

Whatever playmaking you lose from Wade you easily make up for with Gasol at the high post. He would allow LeBron to play off the ball more and would be able to hit him cutting to the basket.

Defensively no question he would help.

Preseason schedule is out. And since season ticket holders have to buy the games, it is nice to get a couple decent players to come to town, even if it is sparse time.

Grizz get Cavs and Heat and Hawks, plus a Brazilian team.

Go to Bucks, Rockets, OKC, and Dallas.

And yes, preseason is so valuable it gets buried in last year's thread.