The Memphis Grizzlies have gotten bigger and meaner on defense this off-season. It all started on draft night when the Grizzlies selected center Hasheem Thabeet in the first round. He will immediately give the Grizzlies a defensive presence in the paint which they lacked last season. Forwards DeMarre Carroll and Sam Young also give the Grizzlies some size inside. Zach Randolph was brought over in a trade with the Clippers and he will help out with solid rebounding and around 20 points per night. C Steven Hunter and PG Marcus Williams are both long shots to have any significant role for the Grizzlies this season. Quentin Richardson passed through town without ever wearing a Grizzlies’ uniform (went to Clippers for Randolph). PF Darko Milicic was traded to the Knicks but he’s really not much of a loss and he has never lived up to his potential. SF/SG Quinton Ross left as a free agent. Greg Buckner was traded to the Mavericks where he will reunite with Ross. SG Jerry Stackhouse was released shortly after being acquired by the Grizzlies.

OFF-SEASON GRADE FOR THE FRONT OFFICE SO FAR: B