NBA Free Agency 2017: 5 teams that should be looking at Chris Bosh
By John Buhler
Memphis Grizzlies
West, Southwest
Why would Chris Bosh consider going to the Memphis Grizzlies? Though he’s not exactly Grit ‘N Grind material, he does have a strong working relationship with Grizzlies head coach David Fizdale. Before taking that for data and the Memphis gig, Fizdale was Erik Spoelstra’s top assistant with the Miami Heat.
In all honesty, Bosh’s beef with the Heat probably has more to do with team president Pat Riley than with Spoelstra. If Miami isn’t happening any more for Bosh, Memphis is probably an easy fit for him.
Memphis already has two star players locked up in their prime in point guard Mike Conley and center Marc Gasol. Chandler Parsons is making a ton of coin out on the wing. If he’s healthy, Memphis is a more compelling team in the Western Conference. The problem is that Tony Allen, Vince Carter, JaMychal Green and Zach Randolph are all free agents. Memphis won’t be able to keep all four of those high-end role players.
This is where Bosh comes in. He’d be able to play alongside Gasol down low, helping space the floor more than Randolph ever could. Fizdale came to Memphis to bring a 3-and-D movement to the Grindhouse. Bosh would know exactly what Fizdale would want him to do on both ends of the floor from their time working together in Miami.
Because Bosh has had his health issues, Memphis probably wouldn’t have to break the bank to sign him. The Grizzlies would be getting another versatile player in their frontcourt that could open things up for Gasol and Parsons to go off. By further spreading the floor, it would make for easier buckets at the rim for Conley. Maybe Bosh’s on-court presence helps Conley reach his first NBA All-Star Game? He is the highest paid player in the sport…for now.