Fansided

5 reasons the Memphis Grizzlies can still win without Mike Conley

By Philip Rossman-Reich

Nov 28, 2016; Memphis, TN, USA; Memphis Grizzlies guard Mike Conley during warm ups prior to the game against the Charlotte Hornets at FedExForum. Mandatory Credit: Nelson Chenault-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 28, 2016; Memphis, TN, USA; Memphis Grizzlies guard Mike Conley during warm ups prior to the game against the Charlotte Hornets at FedExForum. Mandatory Credit: Nelson Chenault-USA TODAY Sports /
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Vince carter, Memphis Grizzlies
Nov 26, 2016; Miami, FL, USA; Memphis Grizzlies guard Vince Carter (15) reacts in the game against the Miami Heat during the second half at American Airlines Arena. The Memphis Grizzlies defeat the Miami Heat 110-107. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports /

4) They have done it before

Experience is probably the best teacher, and no team knows how to survive injuries quite like the Memphis Grizzlies. The Grizzlies lost Conley last year to an Achilles injury in early March and he was unable to get back in time for the playoffs. Memphis was 37-25 when Conley went out and was cruising to the playoffs with him, and would ultimately clinch a playoff berth without him, finishing with the seventh seed at the end.

The Grizzlies went 5-15 the rest of the way as injuries began to pile up — Gasol went out in February, so losing both Gasol and Conley sent the Grizzlies into a tailspin– but they still made the playoffs.

This is a team with a strong identity. New coach David Fizdale has changed the identity some and has had Conley push the pace and Gasol hang on the perimeter more. But this team is still a tough defensive team, and we saw that last season when they rallied together to make the playoffs.

The Grizzlies will need that again. They will need veterans like Vince Carter, Zach Randolph and Marc Gasol to boost young players like Wade Baldwin, JaMychal Green and Andrew Harrison. These players will play some bigger roles now, and now is their time to shine.

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