Fansided

5 wild overreactions to every NBA team’s first game in 2018-19

By Bryan Toporek

PORTLAND, OR - OCTOBER 18: LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers argues with referee Brian Forte #45 in the second quarter of their game against the Portland Trail Blazers at Moda Center on October 18, 2018 in Portland, Oregon. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Steve Dykes/Getty Images)
PORTLAND, OR - OCTOBER 18: LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers argues with referee Brian Forte #45 in the second quarter of their game against the Portland Trail Blazers at Moda Center on October 18, 2018 in Portland, Oregon. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Steve Dykes/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
2 of 6
Next
Grizzlies
Grizzlies /

5. The Grizzlies should embrace the tank

When Mike Conley went down with a season-ending heel injury in early November last year, so too went the Memphis Grizzlies’ 2017-18 season. With him back in the fold this year alongside underrated offseason acquisitions such as Garrett Temple, Kyle Anderson and No. 4 overall pick Jaren Jackson Jr., Memphis had reason for optimism.

That lasted for roughly 10 minutes.

The Indiana Pacers blew the Grizzlies off the floor Wednesday night, 111-83, as the Grizzlies had the worst shooting performance of any team in their opening game. JaMychal Green and Wayne Selden were the only two Memphis players who shot above 50 percent from the floor, as the team finished a horrifying 29.8 percent overall (25-of-84).

Given the beefed-up state of the Western Conference, it won’t be long before the Grizzlies realize their best path forward is embracing a step backward, right? With Marc Gasol likely ticketed for free agency next summer, should Memphis begin shopping him in earnest already?

While it wouldn’t hurt to have exploratory talks regarding Gasol, one opening-night thrashing doesn’t signal the Grizzlies are headed for another 60-loss campaign. A home tilt Friday against the Atlanta Hawks — who lost to the New York Knicks in their opener, 126-107 — should cure much that ailed Memphis on Wednesday, as should upcoming games against the Sacramento Kings (Oct. 24) and Phoenix Suns (Oct. 27).

The Grizzlies are facing an uphill battle to make the playoffs, and shipping out Gasol may wind up being in their best long-term interest. But let’s see how they fare against a handful of bottom-feeders before mashing the panic button too hard, OK?

Home/NBA