It has been a tumultuous 2017-18 NBA season for the Memphis Grizzlies. Their early struggles had ultimately culminated with the controversial firing of former head coach David Fizdale. Since then, point guard Mike Conley and star center Marc Gasol have been left in a state of flux in Memphis.
Gasol had been at the center of some scathing criticism for his alleged part in Fizdale's firing. However, Conley says his teammate did not want things to play out the way they did, according to Marc J. Spears of The Undefeated:
We talked. I think Marc’s intentions are solely about the team. He didn’t want any of this to happen. I didn’t think so. It was also frustrating for all of us. It was tough for Marc, myself and probably the older guys on the team who have built this foundation to see the state that we are in.
Memphis came into the season with high expectations that they can maintain their status as a formidable opponent in this year's Western Conference playoffs. Needless to say, they are now a far cry from what they had hoped to be in the offseason.
That said, struggles of the Grizzlies this year raises plenty of questions regarding the future of both their franchise players. The 32-year-old Gasol has already admitted to being at the stage of his career where it is championship or bust. Meanwhile, Conley's lingering Achilles injury has caused speculation as to whether he will singlehandedly be able to right the ship upon his return.
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