It’s Beginning to Look a Lot Like Ball Time, Part 2

Share the joy

Hopefully, you’ve already read Part I of It’s Beginning to Look a Lot Like Ball Time.  So, here’s Part 2 of things I’m anxiously awaiting to see this year related to the Memphis Grizzlies…

 

The Development of JaMychal Green

So, if I’m honest, I’ve been rather fan-girlish about JaMychal Green since he got here in the 2nd half of the 2014-2015 season.  I don’t know if it was the Montgomery, Alabama connection (I went to college there) or the fact that I saw him as a Zach Randolph apprentice or what.  Whatever it is, he’s put in work since he’s been here.  He’s done what he’s been asked when he’s been asked.  Though he saw quite a few DNP (Did Not Play) games last season (all Coach Joerger’s decision), he was always suited up and ready to go when his number was called.  Those that watch him as closely as I have will agree that he’s grown as a player.  Coach Fizdale has taken Green’s floaties off and thrown him in the deep end, though.  But I have confidence that he will swim.

Many will argue that he shouldn’t have Randolph’s spot, and I get that.  Some of these same people will also argue that we don’t develop younger guys.  We can’t have it both ways.  He’s not Zach Randolph; only Zach Randolph can be Zach Randolph.  And we all know that Zach Randolph can STILL BALL.  He is JaMychal Green though, and he can ball too if we give him a chance.  I’m looking forward to seeing him growing and grinding for many years as a part of this franchise.

 

Vince Carter Aging Gracefully and Being a Mentor

Half Man, Half Amazing is still out there giving it the best that he can.  I find that admirable because Vince Carter and I are the same age.  I’m not getting knocked around like he is, and aches and pains and good ol’ Arthur (arthritis) are trying to have their way in my life.  Yet, here he is knocking at 40’s door still giving us a put-back dunk every now and then and shooting threes from way down the court some nights.

Carter’s biggest contribution to this team in my mind is as a mentor.  He’s had a phenomenal career, and his knowledge and on-court mentoring can be valuable to the guys on this team.  I definitely wouldn’t mind seeing him end his career in Beale Street Blue when it’s time.  Watching him still be slightly amazing at almost 40 is pretty fun too.

 

A Healthy Brandan Wright

Some Grizzlies fans don’t really know why I’m even concerned about a healthy Brandan Wright.  They don’t know his athleticism.  They don’t know his ability to get up and down the floor.  They can’t fathom the clean-up man that he can be around the basket.  It’s not entirely their fault though.  See, I watch basketball; I don’t care what team is playing.  Some people in this fan base only watch the Grizzlies and that’s cool, but when they do, they miss out on seeing the talent of people that aren’t on our team that sometimes make it to our team.

Brandan Wright has the ability to be an awesome back-up for Marc Gasol, when he’s healthy.  “When he’s  healthy” is the key part to that statement.  Sadly, he hasn’t been.  And that’s why some are kind of ho-hum about Brandan Wright.  Trust me though, if he stays healthy, you’ll know why I’ve been anxiously awaiting his arrival.

 

A Healthy, Productive Chandler Parsons

Since I didn’t talk Mike Conley’s money, I won’t talk Chandler Parsons’ either.  I will just say this franchise bet a lot on a horse that’s never been in its stable before.  I don’t want anyone to get it twisted.  I do like him, and I do think it was a good bet…as long as he’s healthy.  Parsons has torched the Grizzlies a few times from behind the 3 point line.  I mean, who can forget when he made ten 3 point shots in the second half on us a few years back while playing with Houston?  Ironically, Houston still lost that night though (petty alert).

He’s with us now, though.  He CHOSE to come here.  And having him here makes this team look really different than it has in years past.  There’s a chance that he won’t be 100% on opening night, but they knew that when they brought him here.  If I’m honest, I don’t even really care if he’s 100% on opening night or November for that matter.  I do care that he looks like the Chandler Parsons that has been known to kill from the three point line after All Star Break and beyond though for this team.  I do care about that.  So, get well Parsons…and stay well.

 

NO SERIOUS INJURIES

Last season was a free fall, plain and simple.  From start to finish, it was a free fall.  Somehow, some way, they still managed to make it to the playoffs though…with 28 different people.  Thinking back, almost everyone on the team last year saw some sort of injury.  I get it; injuries happen.  However, I don’t want to see any injuries with this team this season.  We saw more than our fair share last season.  Injury…get thee gone from my team!

 

So there it is folks, the things that I’m anxiously awaiting.  We don’t have long.  It’s less than 2 weeks away, and I couldn’t be more excited about it!

 

 

Carmen Patton
Follow me

Share the joy