This is the Grizzlies weakest position on the court. Jake Tsakalidis is the starter and his sole job is to rebound and play defense. Jake is a big, strong player that has averaged 5.1 points and 4.1 rebounds per game over his career. He will improve on those career numbers with more playing time, but don’t expect miracles here.

Lawrence Roberts will be the back-up center this season. The Grizzlies didn’t let him play much last season but they have no choice but to let him play this year. Roberts averaged 1.6 points & 1.5 rebounds per game as a rookie last season, but he only played 5.5 minutes per game. He came into the NBA with the reputation as a good rebounder and the Grizzlies really could use that if it’s true.

Mike Miller is the starting small forward for the Grizzlies. Miller is an offensive player that is a fine shooter (39.6% career 3-pointers) that demands the respect of the defense. Miller has averaged 13.4 points, 4.4 rebounds and 2.7 assists per game over his career. He’s not much of a defender though.

Rudy Gay, who was acquired from the Rockets in the Shane Battier trade, should log alot of minutes as a rookie. He’s a good offensive player and the Grizzlies need guys like that. He could be a starter soon either here at small forward or shooting guard.

Brian Cardinal is the #3 small forward for Memphis. Cardinal is a fine shooter (39.5% career 3′s) and always hustles and gives 100% on the court at all times. Cardinal has averaged 7.2 points, 3.2 rebounds and 1.3 assists per game over his NBA career.

The Grizzlies had a hard time with the Rockets tonight. The Grizzlies only shot 40% from the floor and were out-rebounded 45-33 by the Rockets. Stromile Swift led the way on offense with 15 points. Eddie Jones pitched in with 14 points. The only other players in double figures in scoring were Rudy Gay with 12 and Mike Miller with 10. This was a flat effort by the Grizzlies.

Pau Gasol added toughness to his wide array of skills last season. Gasol is a good passes for a big-man and he can score with either hand which is rare in players his size. Pau was the leader of the Grizzzlies last season, averaging 20.4 points, 8.9 rebounds and 4.6 assists per game. Look for Gasol to again average numbers like that when he returns from his broken foot suffered over the summer. Gasol has averaged 18.5 points, 8.4 rebounds, 3.1 assists and 1.8 blocks per game over his career.

Hakim Warrick could get alot of minutes while Gasol is out. Warrick is wiry strong and very athletic around the basket as he is a high-flying dunking machine. Warrick didn’t get to play much as a rookie, only averaging 10.6 minutes per game but he did average 4.1 points & 2.1 rebounds in his time on the court.

Stromile Swift was brought back to Memphis in a draft day trade with the Rockets. Swift has never taken the step from decent back-up to starting player. Swift has all of the skills you look for in a power forward, as he is a good finisher around the basket, a good rebounder and he blocks shots. Swift only has averaged 20.9 minutes per game over his career, but he has made those minutes count averaging 9.0 points, 4.9 rebounds and 1.3 blocks per game.

The Grizzlies just couldn’t handle the physical style of the Pistons as the Grizzlies are more of a finesse team. The Grizzlies didn’t shoot the ball well (37.8% from the floor) but they couldn’t stop the Pistons who shot 50.7% from the floor. It’s hard to win with that combination!

Hakim Warrick continued his impressive play of this season with 21 points, 6 rebounds and 5 assists. Back-up point guard Chucky Atkins pitched in 19 points off of the bench. Mike Miller was a little off against the Pistons scoring 11 points. Rookie Rudy Gay had a decent game, scoring 10 points and grabbing 9 rebounds.

The Grizzlies need to be more physical or they will get pushed around in the NBA.

The Grizzlies were down 70-60 after three quarters, and then out-scored the Bobcats 36-13 in the 4th quarter to pull out the victory. Mike Miller was on fire as he hit 5 of 7 three pointers and scored 27 points and grabbed 9 rebounds. Hakim Warrick scored 15 points and grabbed 6 rebounds. Back-up F/C Lawrence Roberts scored 9 points and grabbed 11 rebounds.

The Memphis Grizzlies looked dead in the water going into the 4th quarter, but the young players of the Grizzlies rose up and tied the game and sent it to OT. Part of the reason they eventually lost was because they missed 18 free-throws (27-45) and that will need to be addressed if they want to win close games. Back-up point guard Chucky Atkins played 40 minutes and scored 25 points. Second-year man Hakim Warrick had a huge game, scoring 22 points and snagging 12 rebounds. Mike Miller had a solid game with 18 points and 6 rebounds. The Grizzlies pair of first round picks, Ruddy Gay (21 points, 8 rebounds) and Kyle Lowry (10 rebounds) made huge contributions in this basketball game.

Without Pau Gasol (injured), the Grizzlies need their young players to step up, and they did last night….they just couldn’t finish the deal.

Look for Eddie Jones to start at shooting guard for the Grizzlies. Jones brings alot to the table for Memphis, as he is a good 3-point shooter and a fantastic defender. Jones can stretch a defense with his shooting ability when the team needs him to as he has hit 37.7% of his 3-pointers for his career. Jones has averaged 16.0 points, 4.2 rebounds, 3.1 assists and 1.8 steals per game over his career.

Dahntay Jones will get a shot to be the primary back-up at shooting guard. Jones hasn’t really gotten a good opportunity to prove what he can do on the court yet. Jones only has averaged 12.4 minutes per game in his young NBA career. Jones has averaged 3.9 points, 1.4 rebounds and 0.5 assists per game.

Mike Miller is sure to get some minutes at shooting guard too.