NBA Power Rankings: The Grizzlies are in trouble

25. Memphis Grizzlies

Things are going as bad as they possibly could for the Grizzlies right now. Without Mike Conley, they are struggling to establish any sort of offensive rhythm. As of Monday, they’ve now lost eight straight and have plummeted after a strong start to the season.

To make matters worse, Marc Gasol seems unhappy and frustrated. In Memphis’ latest loss, a 98-88 loss to the Jeremy Lin and D’Angelo Russell-less Brooklyn Nets, Gasol sat for the entire fourth quarter.

“I don’t like it one bit,” Gasol said, per the Memphis Commercial Appeal. “I’m more (angry) than I can show, and frustrated. But for the benefit of the team, I’ve got to show good leadership and continue to do my job.” He also called the situation awkward.

According to now ex-coach David Fizdale, he kept Gasol out of the game because the lineup on the floor had gotten his struggling roup back in the game.

“We’ll address it if it needs to be addressed but it was a pretty simple decision what I did,” Fizdale said. “It’s nothing against him,” Fizdale said, per the Memphis Commerical Appeal. “I’m trying to win a game. I’m desperate. I took a risk. Sometimes when you take a risk you may (upset) a player or two. That’s part of this position. I can own the decision and I have my reasons why. Winning is my only priority.”

Nothing about this is good. Conley can’t come back soon enough, and all the Grizzlies can do is hope they can survive until then. Firing Fizdale only complicates this further, however.