The Memphis Grizzlies need to make sure that starting center Marc Gasol gets the proper backing once the 2015-16 NBA Season starts, and they may have done just that with the reported signing of veteran center Ryan Hollins.
Hollins is a nine-year NBA veteran who was drafted 50th overall in 2006 by the Charlotte Bobcats. This will be the 30-year-old center's ninth NBA team in his career. Aside from Charlotte and now Memphis, Hollins had stints with other teams such as the Dallas Mavericks, Minnesota Timberwolves, Cleveland Cavaliers, Boston Celtics, Los Angeles Clippers and the Sacramento Kings.
Throughout his NBA tenure, Hollins has played more of a backup for various teams. His strength is seen in his rebounding prowess and in the energy he infuses the game with when he is called upon to perform.
Hollins and the Grizzlies have only agreed in principle, though it seems that he will likely make the roster seeing that the team is in dire need of another big man to spell Gasol. The other center for the Grizzlies off the bench is Brandan Wright.
Aside from energy and rebounds, Hollins is a decent interior defender as well. However, his offensive side is something that is limited, although the scenario of likely being a third-string center may not necessarily call for Hollins to score heavily.
Hollins will get a chance to show his stuff when the Grizzlies open training camp this September 29 at Santa Barbara, California. Though his deal is a non-guaranteed contract, he could make a case because of his size and the intangibles he brings.
Other than the addition of Hollins, the Grizzlies face an uphill battle in the wild Western Conference.
As everyone knows by now, the Golden State Warriors will be practically returning intact with key players from its 2014-15 NBA championship while the San Antonio Spurs have struck hard in the recruitment stages in the offseason, snagging the best possible talent in LaMarcus Aldridge.
Aside from that, the Spurs were able to sign up David West on a veteran's minimum as well, making the Spurs a top favorite to rule the Western conference and possibly the NBA Finals.
The Houston Rockets and the Los Angeles Clippers are also no pushovers, as both addressed their team needs as well.
The Grizzlies have added Matt Barnes for toughness, but a lot still fall on the broad shoulders of Gasol and Zach Randolph. Mike Conley will also return to orchestrate for Memphis.
Can the Grizzlies defy the odds? Many of these concerns are bound to be tackled when training camp opens this coming Tuesday.