Highlight:

After all these years... I've watched this fella since the 'Good ole days' carving out his space, as one of the more patiently cunning GM's we have ever seen across both leagues. All Feelings aside, the teams Rootsey has fielded have been an absolute clinic on how to build a respectable, fundamentally sound roster who are invested in the long haul. Team identity has never been lacking round these parts and if you believe in Elite 2K Cultures, Memphis surely gets you going.

Much like the almost mythical stories you hear or any throw away reference to the NBA's 'Heat Culture' ...With all their strict player prerequisites... Rootsey manifests every bit of this and more and his only rules are;

1. "Two-Way or the Highway"

2. "Give Jaylen daily reminders he's always OUR number one"

3. "Instantly be worth +50-60% more as a league wide trade asset or GTFO".

I think we would all tend to agree, Indeed a small price to pay for the privilege to rep the Grindhouse.

OK, so what I was essentially doing just then, was an absolute cracker of a job at setting up context. More importantly doing my best to be rid of any guilt, as I round the corner preparing to savage this man any chance I can ...So I'm more then happy to get on with it. Put it this way, If Jmac was to win the very prestigious and totally made up award of "Person I'd least like to big note"...Rootsey would've been right there, respectfully coming in a close second (Still losing but, Just sayin').

The Grizz crushed last season, a well documented change of engine, along with the eventual progress 2K has made to "catch up" was the main catalyst to their domination. The 21-22 Season will be remembered for a lot of things but one fact will surly stand out, as the clear separation between the most elite of us... And the rest. 6 teams won 60 games or north thereof last season. Memphis rounded out the self proclaimed 'Fantastic Four' out West. Earning the last spot available for home court advantage with a lazy 65 wins... Ludicrous. 

Jumps made by Brown and Herro both in the NBA and in game has made it pretty obvious who the big swingers are. The acquisitions of Big Mitch and Young gun Williams has further bolstered their young core. To top it off have managed to hang on to that 'coveted' 2023 Kings 1st... I'm sure given Rootsey's years of experience and skills on draft night, he should be able to pluck out a keeper in the Mid to Late 20's. It's goes without saying though, a WCF appearance is a great start and foundation to build from, for this budding dynasty.

Lowlight:

*Cracks Knuckles*

Just know I take no Joy at all from this...

I don't care what you say though David, getting poleaxed by J-mac in the WCF is a bitter blow that cuts deep, real deep. Trust me, I've got the scars to prove it. Wanna know more? Yooooouu've got it Buddy.

The Blazers across those 4 games averaged +27.1 PPG MORE then the Grizz... They won in almost every major statistical category outside Turnovers. Portland had 11.... Yes. ELEVEN. Players scoring in double digits, that's a whole got damn team. You see, J-mac had his OWN 'Fantastic Four' and they ruthlessly combined for 110+ points a game. Only a handful of teams as a whole, averaged above 110 PPG over the course of the regular season. Proper savaged...

...One of us... One of us!... ONE OF US!!

In the end, Game 3 was the only one kept within double digits, as they heartbreakingly went down at home by 2 points, as KD legit took their souls with a Fiddy piece. Served ice cold. In turn sending the faithful, innocent fans home full of shame and regret.

..The final, swift kick to the dick? JJJ back at it again, finding himself at home, on the bench with his white Van's; You know, just making his team mates better... Keeping them well hydrated and ensuring a fresh towel is always within arms-reach... Just riding that polished pine as they say... Sunrise, sunset... 

Best Trade:

Tate/SA 23 for M.Robinson

Tate and the Spurs 2023 30th pick for Big Mitch. I mean... It's a home run. The epitome of the age ole "Buy-Low" deal as the former team for whatever reason, decids to cut their losses and run. Rootsey swoops, loads up at the perfect time as they head down the final stretch... And secure a young, Uber athletic defensive big man. Who despite his flaws, more specifically in the NBA (You can trust me on this as a life-long Knicks fan/Sick individual) in game, he's a nightmare around the glass.

Worst Trade:

Adams for Walker/Melton/Springer/MIN 24

I'd like to firstly state the obligatory opening line being something to the effect of; "Yeah well you know, it definitely was hard picking a 'worst trade' because blah blah blah"... I present that ole chestnut in the form of the "on-trade". Of course in this case involving Adams, in another deal done to acquire multiple assets to seemingly 'help the cause'. If there's anything more desirable then defensive big men in their prime, it's the thrill of the gamble that is drafting in the first round. To be fair Melton is no one to scoff at ether when it comes to a being a young, two way wing who personifies everything it means to truly be a Grizzly.

With all that said though, I feel they kind of moved on Adams a little hastily and for less then what they perhaps could've gotten. Yes we all know how much Rootsey loves paying luxury tax and no doubt that may have been a factor at play here... But it's easily argued which side you'd generally fall on, if the name of the game is to go all the way, backed by a team built with players that can impact the game.

Other notable Trades:

Bazley/SA 23 2nd/SA 24 2nd/POR 25 2nd for Tre Mann/Tate/Okpala

Shipped a solid prospect in Bazley and fodder for 3 guys who can sit at the bottom of the roster earning minutes. Solid.

Favors for Ibaka

A classic shuffling of seasoned vets, sealed with a gentlemen's handshake, for the sole purposes of need. Everyone's a winner. 

Richards/Freedom/MEM 22/CHA 22 2nd for Z.Williams

In hindsight, gave up a fair bit to get their "Boy" in Williams. Richards is a solid back up big playing real NBA minutes and Kessler fell at 27th with that 2022 Memphis 1st. Still, when you run as tight a ship as Rootsey does... You can afford the occasional deal, having to pay a premium while making sure to secure a core piece.

Ibaka/Primo/PHI 22 for Adams/ORL 23 2nd

A very handy deal indeed to net a serviceable starting 5 in Adams. Just one of a few aggressive and calculated condensing moves made by Memphis to add to their list. An easy asset to on trade if needs be as well, given the fact they also managed to bring in Robinson.

Star:

I feel I would be doing the kid a disservice, If I was to momentarily lose my sense of good judgment, letting my feelings for Ole mate Dave get in the way... And choosing to shaft Brown in lue of Tre Mann or some stupid shit, before I go on to write a couple of nonsense paragraphs justifying why...

Brown is of course the star of the show and as much as I wouldn't dream of spending even a cent of my hard earned cash, buying tickets to said show... I have to give credit where credit is due. Brown exploded onto the scene providing the Grizz with season averages of 25.4/4.8/2.8. Numbers worthy of any true first option, especially if surrounded by a bunch of young killers. Was it enough in the end? Well yeah, not for when it comes to climbing that mountain top only to face the likes of Portland/Spurs... But time is on their side and already, the Memphis Grizzlies have inched closer and closer to the promised land.

Draft Grade:

They took a stab or two at some kids in the mid-late 2nd round. Drafting Isaiah Mobley (Yes, yes.. Was careful to make the distinction), Khalifa and Luke. Way too early to know what exactly they have there but I've heard some of their names already thrown about the league, so the Grizz can only expect upside until shown otherwise.

Future:

I'll keep this short and sweet. In fear of straying back into a situation where I find myself praising this proper, pompous ass. But just take a look at the roster for 2K Gods sake...

Brown/Bam/Herro/Robinson/JJJ/Williams have a combined avg age of 23.5 yrs... Not to mention their elite depth, boasting both youth and savy veteran leadership in the likes of:

Conley/Levert/Brown/Kleber/Mann/Beauchamp and so on...

Oh and they're also trying real hard at finally nailing their best Benjamin Button impression in an attempt to own ALL of the pickz... They have all their own picks excluding the 2024 draft, and yeah nah wait, there's more... The Kings 23, Lakers 24, Bulls 24, and Suns 27 1st rounders are also lining the plush walls of their war chest. 11 2nd round picks over the next 5 years tend to always come in handy too.

Yeah sure, the Grizzlies will perpetually be one of the NSL's founding members of the 'Lux-Tax Pack'...

But it would seem they're set up to occupy land there for generations to come...

P.S. Screw you Rootsey.