Big Al dominating but Grizzlies struggling early

[andrei]

This year is different for Memphis Grizzlies big man Albus Jefferson. He was not happy last year. Not happy after being traded from his Charlotte Hornets to Memphis. He enjoyed playing with the high-wire act of Ricky Rubio and Michael Kidd-Gilchrist. With Memphis though, he did not have a good year, personally and professionally. While still a dominant force inside, Big Al’s weight ballooned to 290lbs+ after the trade as he battled depression and anxiety. Despite this, he managed to play all 82 games but his stats dropped to career lows across the board.

21.9 points and 8.6 may seems like amazing numbers for 99% of players in CSL. Al, however, fits into that 1% exception. He appeared lazy on the court and barely showed up defensively. His minutes dropped to just over 33. After an abysmal playoff performance and early exit in the first round, Al was ready to move on. He informed the Grizzlies management that he is planning to opt out of the final $13.5M year of his deal and will most likely be moving on.

Memphis GM Andrei Sanzharov never lost hope, however. On day 1 of Free Agency, Memphis offered Al the maximum 4 year deal instantly making Al one of the highest paid players in CSL. (Only Kobe Bryant makes more than Al – a measly $500k more). With the Grizzlies being the only team ready to almost double his salary from last season and make a long term commitment to build around the 30 year old big man, Al’s heart started to warm to Grind city. He signed the deal early and came to camp in phenomenal shape. With his weight down to 260lbs, he reminded Memphis Head Coach Jerry Sloan of Karl Malone.

As expected the Grizzlies build their entire offensive structure around Big Al. The message there is very simple – get Al inside, wait for him to position him left close to the basket and give him the ball.

‘’There are no players in CSL that can stop Al inside. He is so dominating, so strong and quick. It only makes sense to build our offense around him. This year he will show that he is the best big man in the game and a MVP candidate.’’ - Grizzlies GM said.

So far, Big Al responded with phenomenal numbers. After 12 games he is averaging 34.6 points per game, 13.3 rebounds, 1.3 steals and 1.8 blocks per game – all career highs. He is third in the league in scoring and leads CSL in efficiency, double-doubles and rebounding.

All is not well in Grind Land however. The Grizzlies are 6-6 on the season and still searching for the right starting unit. They started 8 different line-ups this year and did not yet find the right strategy/philosophy combination that would allow them to maximise Big Al and his supporting cast. One thing is for certain – Big Al will continue to dominate and carry this team on his mighty shoulders. How far will they go? Only time will tell but the Grizzlies management is committed to winning this season and building around their dominating star.

[Rizzo]

Big Al has been killing it but the Grizzlies haven't followed his success. Hopefully you can get the strategies and rotations set around him to make the most of his insane numbers.

[Marcos_Beck]

What's happening to a team that reached the finals two years ago?
Was it just built for FCP?
Your roster has more talent than your record shows.
Big Al is a real star, and you have quality role players and good depth.
What you don't have is an elite paint protector at C as your team is built to play in the post with Al manning the middle in Single-Post O.
With Conley and Lee starting, that hardly matters as both can stop drives with easy. But you should look to add a defender / rebounder at SF, to help with the boards and preventing drives. Think about Al-Farouq Aminu, who can D and board (a player like him, or course).

[andrei]

What's happening to a team that reached the finals two years ago?
Was it just built for FCP?
Your roster has more talent than your record shows.
Big Al is a real star, and you have quality role players and good depth.
What you don't have is an elite paint protector at C as your team is built to play in the post with Al manning the middle in Single-Post O.
With Conley and Lee starting, that hardly matters as both can stop drives with easy. But you should look to add a defender / rebounder at SF, to help with the boards and preventing drives. Think about Al-Farouq Aminu, who can D and board (a player like him, or course).

Thanks Marcos for the suggestion. Will look into it. Worse case we suck this year and then get a decent player in the Draft

[Dennis]

I wouldnt be too worried. Your team maybe had the worst schedule in the league. So far you played SA, MIN twice, TOR, DEN, PHX, Clippers, NOP, Houston, Orlando and Miami. They all are playoff teams for sure. Only Dallas and Golden State are teams you faced that are below average. And you won all 3 games against them. On top you had only 5 game at home and 9 (!) on the road. And I wish my team would be able to put together a 4-5 road record. lol.

[blackice]

I like what you've done here, surrounding Al with shooters. I'd stay pat and like Dennis said your record is skewed by your schedule. It'll get easier.