2006 Memphis Grizzlies Preview

Welcome to the 2006 Memphis Grizzlies NBA Preview page. At the time of publish preseason games are winding down and the regular season about to be begin. If you enjoy betting on NBA basketball be sure to use Maddux Sports for NBA Basketball Picks and visit the Live NBA Betting Lines to increase your winning percentage this season.

2006 Memphis Grizzlies Basketball Season Preview

Remember when the Grizzlies’ point guard Damon Stoudamire went down for the entire season after only 27 games? With that in mind, it’s hard to believe this team finished 49-33 and made it to the playoffs! After knee surgery and rehab, Stoudamire is back and that’s good news.

In his shortened season, Damon Stoudamire (11.7 PPG, 3.5 RPG, 4.7 APG, 39.7 FG%, 85.5 FT%) proved to be a fine decision maker and on-floor general. He could also pop the big shot. Smooth shooting guard Eddie Jones (11.8 PPG, 3.7 RPG, 2.4 APG, 40.4 FG%, 78.1 FT%), who has played 12 NBA seasons, joins Stoudamire, with 11 seasons. Mike Miller (13.7 PPG, 5.4 RPG, 2.7 APG, 46.6 FG%, 80.0 FT%) will be used to spell Jones.

Power forward Pau Gasol (20.4 PPG, 8.9 RPG, 4.6 APG, 50.3 FG%, 68.9 FT%) gave it his all in 2005-06, proving that he could score, rebound and add assists. The big guy was extremely tough inside. Rookie Rudy Gay (University of Connecticut) is slated to start at small forward. He’s got some good backup in Hakim Warrick when he needs it.

Center Jake Tsakalidis (5.0 PPG, 4.2 RPG, 0.3 APG, 60.6 FG%, 65.5 FT%) has bulk and height but doesn’t move well, allowing too many inside points. Still, he improved enough in 2005-06 to start this season. He has to control his tendency to foul.

Coach Mike Fratello has been around the block a few times with the Hawks, Cavs and Grizzlies. In 2 seasons with Memphis, he’s 89- 63 in the regular season and 0- 8 in the playoffs. He demands his guys give all they’ve got and successfully preaches defense and turning that defense into points. Jerry West, President of Basketball Operations, wants to see the coach use younger players more, developing the entire team. If he doesn’t, Fratello cold be looking to walk around the block with a fourth team.

The playoffs could be in the offing, but this team will definitely miss the fine defense of shooting guard Shane Battier, now a Houston Rocket. It will be an uphill battle.

For more info on the 2006 Grizzlies basketball team visit the Grizzlies official website from NBA.com or keep reading up on their division rivals including the Mavericks, Rockets, Hornets, and Spurs.