Twenty-nine players in one season, a new coach, the biggest contract in NBA history and Chandler Parsons the retooled 2016-2017 Memphis Grizzlies have taken to the basketball court. With Coach Dave Joerger out and Coach David Fizdale in, the hometown favorites have a new system. Call it a refueled “Grit-n-Grind” mentality, if you will. With substantially more three point shooters on the roster and a faster overall pace, general manager Chris Wallace and the rest of the front office have really added the possible secret ingredient to make this team a big-time competitor for a Western Conference Finals berth. Injuries were the reason for what some may call a disastrous end to the season. The Grizzlies fought long and hard to finish out the regular season only to be swept in the first round of the Playoffs by the San Antonio Spurs. While defense has always been a strong suit, the Grizzlies offense failed to carry the load.

Thus, the front office opted to resign a five-year, $153 million deal with Mike Conley. This contract is higher than the contracts signed to Kobe Bryant (seven years, $136 million) and Lebron James (three years, $100 million).

In addition, they pried Chandler Parsons away from the Dallas Mavericks on a four year, $94 million contract.

“I think we did the right thing bringing him here, even if it’s risky,” history teacher and avid Grizzlies fan Curt Rakestraw said.

The 2016 NBA Draft also had much in store for the Grizzlies, who owned the rights to the 17th, 31st, 35th and 57th overall picks. Following the drafting of Wade Baldwin IV (17th Overall Pick) out of Vanderbilt, the Grizzlies weren’t done just yet. They also signed James Ennis, Andrew Harrison and Deyonta Davis to multiyear contracts.

One of the most surprising moves prior to the start of the season was the bold action taken by Coach Fizdale to move Zach Randolph, a two-time NBA All-Star, to the bench.

“Zach off the bench will definitely be an X factor,” Rakestraw said. “Him with the young bench guys means he can take way more shots than he was with the starting unit, and I always think Zach is our best scoring option.”

Another important new face is Coach David Fizdale, who has been essential to reviving the veterans while also giving the young and new players a chance to play and develop. Molly Morrison (11), an avid Grizzlies fan, shares her thoughts on the new coach.

“It’s cool that Fizdale, unlike Joerger and Lionel Hollins, actually sees that, to develop a team, you have to play the young guys and work them into the roster and rotation, which is cool.” Morrison said.

Although preseason played out without Chandler Parsons and Tony Allen, the Grizzlies still showed promise within their new offense. More three-point shooting has been crucial to the offense, as well as the up-tempo style play that Fizdale implements. Defense, the grinding factor of this team, has been great as always. Even without Allen, a defensive monster on the court, defensive efficiency has been strong.

It is predicted that the Grizzlies will win 50 or more games and make the Western Conference Finals. Expect this team to be overlooked, discounted and doubted. But as always, keep an eye out for the Grizzlies to be a force in the NBA this year.