Where Do We Go From Here?

A lot of people have been trying to figure out how the 2008-09 edition of your Memphis Grizzlies is going to shape up. Are they going to keep 4 players considered point guards? Are they going to a to start the year with only two power forwards who could best be described as tweeners more than traditional power forwards? Are they going to stand pat or continue to make moves?

These are all legitimate questions for a franchise that is looking at putting a team together a serious run this season. Heisley however has this team looking for the future not the present. They are looking to acquire the best assortment of talent possible, not to fill apparent gaps in this season's line up. The Grizzlies are trying to create a mentality for the future. To establish an attitude on this team that will change the old idea that the team was built for regular season success but not to succeed in the playoffs. As crazy as it seems today, Heisley wants to build a team that can succeed in the playoffs. A rather odd perspective from a team that hasn't won enough games in the last two years (44) to qualify for the playoffs in the Western Conference last season (50).

O J Mayo and Darrell Arthur are joining a young group of go-getters that are self-motivated and hard-working including Rudy Gay and Mike Conley. These players don't need coaches following behind them to tell them they need to stay in shape. No one needs to follow them making sure they work on the weaker parts of their games. No one needs to remind them that they need to give 100% in practice as well as games.

This doesn't mean that these players will be in Memphis for the next playoff game played at FedEx Forum. What the Grizzlies want is the attitude these players bring to remain as a statement about this team long after their playing days are over. The culture of the team has to change and bringing in players with the right mental attitude is the first step to doing this. Detroit has a culture. San Antonio has a culture. Even Boston and LA have cultures. Memphis needs to establish a culture that breeds success.

The roster makeover has just begun. It should be interesting to see how it ends.