The Memphis Grizzlies have a major crossroad to face as the trade deadline nears. The team must decide if it will continue its "Grit and Grind" core of Mike Conley, Zach Randolph and Marc Gasol.
According to usatoday.com, the Grizzlies playoff chances got a big blow as their leader Marc Gasol injured his foot and could be out for the season. For head coach Dave Joerger, the team will now rely on veteran Zach Randolph.
"It's going to be tough on everybody," the head coach said about the adjustment period. "But Zach's always up to the task. At 7 o'clock, he's a warrior. He gives us everything he's got. And we're going to need him."
"For a guy who critics say he's not this, or he's not enough of that, he's a guy who just gets it done," he added. "He has some of the best hands I've ever seen. He's got incredible feet. He's a very competitive guy who finds a way to get it done."
"We're going to need his clutchness the last six minutes of games. During games, he can carry you, but down the stretch, he really has a knack for going and getting it for you - how did he just score against three guys, and his feet never left the floor? We've worked together for a long time. I've seen him grow, not just in his game but as a family man, in our community. And he's awesome."
As per yibada.com, it's highly possible that the Grizzlies let go of their longtime grit and grind principles and move towards small ball a la the defending NBA champions Golden State Warriors. This is even more likely if the team fails to make the playoffs.
As seen on sportsworldreport.com, the Los Angeles Lakers could actually look to move their prized rookie D'Angelo Russell. Experts believe that the Lakers would entertain a Russell for Conley swap if they feel that Conley could be a bigger draw to upcoming free agents such as Kevin Durant and Hassan Whiteside.
