2007-2008 NBA Season Preview: Memphis Grizzlies

The 2006-2007 NBA season was wrought with much dissension. Ownership was looking to sell the Memphis Grizzlies franchise, star forward Pau Gasol was publicly campaigning for a trade from Tennessee while returning from foot surgery, and the head coach was canned. The mix of youth and veteran leadership that seemed to be making headway in the previous season with a reward of a place in the NBA Playoffs took a turn for the worst.

After owner Michael Heisley decided to keep the team, changes were immediately made to get the Grizzles back on the proper course. Mike Iavaroni was hired away from the Phoenix Suns' coaching staff to become the commander-in-chief on the hardwood for the upcoming season. Memphis was able to get its hands on freshman star point guard Mike Conley, Jr. from Ohio State, and the Grizzlies were also able to solidify the holes left in the roster.

Gasol's requests to be shipped were eased as the Grizzlies were able to acquire Gasol's best friend from his fellow homeland of Spain-enter Juan Carlos Navarro.

Navarro, a former draft pick of the Washington Wizards, had his rights shipped to Memphis for the right to play a big role for Memphis, but only helps to exacerbate what may be a controversy for minutes in the backcourt. With the newly acquired Conley and Navarro potentially being the future (and present) backcourt, last year's rookie Kyle Lowry now has to beat Conley out of the starting point guard spot, as Team USA swingman Mike Miller either ends up as the backup shooting guard or small forward.

Along with the European acquisition in Navarro, Memphis also added Detroit Pistons and Orlando Magic castoff Darko Milicic to pair with Gasol as a "Twin Towers" tandem. While Milicic, originally from Yugoslavia in Eastern Europe, still has much to do in the form of offensive polish and defensive awareness, the potential of becoming a good player from playing with an intelligent post player in Gasol only encourages his growth.

Also, 2005 first round draft pick Hakim Warrick may fill out the frontcourt as the starting small forward. Blessed with incredible leaping ability and explosiveness near the basket, Warrick will benefit from Iavaroni's uptempo system. Flourishing with speed on his side, the high-rising Grizzly from Syracuse will be able to exploit matchups in both forward spots.

Not to be outdone, standout swingman Rudy Gay should make the natural progression into a early star, as a primary ball-handler and finisher. Also touted for his athleticism while a Husky at the University of Connecticut, Gay has shown ability to be who some have said as a young Scottie Pippen.

If nothing else, the Grizzlies can look to make 2008 the year of their return to winning. Here's a look at who may be the starting five for Memphis: At point guard, Conley or Lowry will run the squad; the two-guard position will also be a battle between Navarro, Miller, or even last season's surprise in Tarence Kinsey; the small forward position will be Gay's to lose; power forward will Gasol's premier position; and Milicic will use his versatility to his advantage at center.

Come 2008, baby-back ribs, the blues and rap group Three 6 Mafia won't be the only reasons to check out Tennessee.