By David Arrojo

With solid players and great management, the Memphis Grizzlies are poised to surpass all expectations this year

When asked several days ago what his predictions for the upcoming season were, new Memphis Grizzlies president Jerry West described his expectations as "not really very high, to be honest." Who could disagree with good ol' Zeke from Cabin Creek? After all, it was just a season ago when the relocated team won fewer games (23) than the number of technicals that Rasheed Wallace received over the course of the season (27). Their showing in the preseason has also been lackluster, with the Grizzlies having won only one of their 5 games so far. And it can't be too encouraging when West, who is generally acknowledged as league's best estimator of talent, issues such a negative assessment. But should he (and the rest of the NBA) really be so pessimistic? Sure, this team is about as raw as they come, but there are several indications that things may be looking up for Memphis.

The Grizzlies' relative success in the past two rookie drafts is one reason. Their pick this year, former Kansas star Drew Gooden, has wowed many around the league with his preseason play. Many dismissed Gooden as a tweener who would fail to make an impact. But with sensational preseason averages of 19 points and 12 rebounds, Gooden is causing quite a stir. Several league executives have commented that Gooden's body looks strong and NBA-ready. Gooden is slated to play power forward, a position already filled by last season's top rookie Pau Gasol. The former Kansas forward's skills in the paint should take some of the pressure of off the perimeter play of Gasol and Shane Battier, another player who had a solid rookie season in 2001-2002. Factor in Stromile Swift and Lorenzen Wright and you have one of the youngest and most potential-laden frontcourts in the league, second only to the Clippers. This year's roster boasts depth like none before it.

Poor three-point shooting and lack of perimeter defense were among the glaring flaws that plagued last year's squad, and some of the Grizzlies' summer dealings also addressed those needs. The largely underrated draft night move that sent Nick Anderson packing for Cleveland brought in a sharpshooting veteran in Wesley Person. Person (who averaged a blistering 44% from beyond the arc last year for 8th best overall) will likely play backup for Michael Dickerson, a talented young perimeter player whose past two seasons have been hampered by injury, but who should come on strong as he returns from injury rehab. Team management also fortified their backcourt with the acquisition of second-year player Earl Watson, a hard-working defensive-minded point guard whom the Sonics very reluctantly let go. While he is still developing (and has not performed well of yet this preseason), Watson has a commendable work ethic. Count on the second-year player to provide a nice lift off the bench with his quickness and ball handling whenever the flashy Jason Williams needs a rest.

But perhaps the greatest asset that Memphis acquired during the offseason is an intangible one. As West noted at the beginning of training camp, "we think we helped ourselves talent-wise, but I think there is a mental aspect to this thing. We are going to get these guys to understand that it is about will in this league." This can-do attitude has been previously lacking in the NBA's all-time losing franchise, which has a .229 record since joining the NBA in 1995. If West can successfully infuse his competitive mentality into this team, the Grizzlies may finally play with some passion and resolve. No team can win consistently unless it believes it can, so at least beginning to believe is a step in the right direction. Gasol's Rookie of the Year accolades should add to this confidence, and if Gooden continues to play the way he is now, the Grizzlies may soon boast two players that have been recognized by the league for their quality play.

Admittedly, the team still has a few serious weaknesses. Many have criticized second-year coach Sidney Lowe for being too soft, and rumor has it that his days in Memphis are numbered. The uncertainty surrounding the coaching situation could set the team's progress back by one season, or maybe more. But don't count on West to give up so easily. "We have to get everyone in a positive mode in terms of thinking they can win games and not, 'Oh my God, it's our time to lose tonight.' That is not going to happen here."

This candid admission by Mr. Clutch doesn't seem to be nearly as dismal as his first, which suggests that he may be playing mind games and manipulating the media to advance his infamous "strategies." West may indeed be lowballing so that the Grizzlies don't find themselves playing in the shadow of high expectations. But to do so would imply that West believes his team will succeed this season. Granted, even West must ultimately recognize that the Grizzlies face an uphill road to the playoffs in the superior Western Conference. But an increase in 10 wins wouldn't come as much of a surprise. This Grizzlies team is young and talented, to be honest, and with some guidance from arguably the league's best executive, they promise to make a splash in the upcoming season.

David is the second-coming of David Aldridge (or so he says).