Someone mentioned that the only reason Lowry isn’t starting is because of Conley Jr’s “big name”…I disagree with that pretty heartily.  I’ve always liked Lowry as a player, but I don’t see him as NBA starting PG material.  I think he could start, but he’s not an ideal guy you’d want to go to war with long term, IMO.  He’s not in any way a true point, and his strenghts are much more taking it to the hole with reckless abandon, his extremely talented pesty individual defense, and he’s a real bucket and pale work horse type.  This are great things to have as a 6th man, which is where I see Lowry making a great career. 

Conley Jr. is goint to be a great PG given health and minutes.  I don’t know how anyone that saw OSU play a few times before Oden rejoined the team can argue that Conley doesn’t have future all star level PG talent.  He knows the game, makes those around him better, has a veteran savvy most don’t posess, and is adept at running both half court sets as well as pushing the ball up full tempo. 

The Grizz are set at the 1-2-3 spots for half a decade…only thing that’s left is time for them to grow, to wait and see how Gasol II, Milicic and Arthur pan out, and to acquire some Reggie Evan type veterans so someone can police these youngins. 

Random prediction (that most people are going to scoff at me for): Rudy Gay is going to be a legit franchise player to build around.  He might quite possibly be one of the most overhyped, lazy college players…that actually managed to turn things around with an attitude adjustment, work his tail off and have his game translate excellently to the NBA.  I can see him being a 23-25 ppg career scorer, and so far his all around game has already improved leaps and bounds since his UConn days (something you can see by watching him, not particularly statistics).  I think Gay and Josh Smith of the Hawks are going to be two of the scariest wing players in the L for this generation, along with Durant.

After seeing Wayns play quite a few times, I’ll say this – the kid is going to be better than Lowry so long as he doesn’t get injured. The Nova class that he’s heading up will either be the #1 or #2 recruiting class in the nation. Add those kids to transfer Taylor King (formerly of Duke and a McDonald’s All-American) and the two Coreys and Nova will be preseason top ten, if not top five, team next year.

Aside to previous post:  http://www.remembertheaba.com/Memphis-Pros.html
http://www.remembertheaba.com/Memphis-Tams.html
http://www.remembertheaba.com/Memphis-Sounds.html
Sites give a taste of legendary, ill-fated league.  Includes some good color pictures. 

Mayo is likley to be Willie Green with a 3 point shot.  Thats not a major insult, but he isn’t special.

I do still think they need a big is a flat out scorer.  If they end up with the first pick they will have their pick of one by drafting either B.J. Mullens or Blake Griffin.

Even the ABA’s ill-fated Memphis Pros/Tams (a stylish hat; alluded to theoretical Tennessee, Arkansas, Mississippi fan base)/Sounds were better named - and included swashbuckling Mississippi Rebel gunner Johnny Neumann, ‘Pistol’-lite, somewhere on their timeline, until his act grew stale and detrimental.

About present, gotta like Grizzlies’ young crop of talent, but where’s the inside beef?  I like Warrick as a contributor but he’s a swizzle stick.  Darko certainly doesn’t cut it.  If Marc is the lesser of Gasols, where’s that leave ‘em?  GM collects point guards like they’re goin’ out of style.  Rudy, OJ & trio of PGs  
show some promise but underdeveloped front line will do them in again. 

Greatest strength(s):
-Youth
-Athleticism
-Fastbreak offense (especially with Iavaroni as the coach!) 
-O.J — he’s doing it, he does it, and (yes) he did it  (good things for the Grizzlies of course!)
-Some veterans (if they do cooperate and go with the flow!!)
Greatest weakness(es):
-Inexperience
-Lack enough veterans
-Road woes
I wonder what the Grizzlies will be doing with that cap money for next offseason?  They tried, but failed in getting Josh Smith!
 
Anyway, their future is bright and they have quite a “Miracle Whip” in Mayo.  Look for these guys to shine in a stadium near you!
 
Philly connections:  Hakim Warrick
                                Marc Iavaroni (part of the ‘82-’83 76ers!!)
                                Greg Buckner (Larry’s favorite player!)
(With that said, the Grizzlies will be 5th in the Southwest Division, 13th in the West!)

(On a side note, the Sixers will sweep the Grizzlies (2-0).  Even though the game at Memphis will be a close one, like the one last season.  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uNEHqPbt48c&feature=related )