30. Memphis Grizzlies
Key additions: Zach Randolph, Hasheem Thabeet, DeMarre Carroll, Sam Young
Key subtractions: Darko Milicic, Quinton Ross
In limbo: Hakim Warrick (R)
Although I'm not a huge fan of Thabeet, I understand why the Grizzlies went that way on draft night: Rubio wasn't cooperating, and Thabeet filled a need as an athletic shot-blocker. And I really liked their other two picks, Carroll and Young, who will provide some of the toughness the Grizz have lacked.
So why are they all the way at the bottom of the list? Because I'm still trying to make sense of the acquisition of Randolph.
The Grizzlies had lots of spending room under the salary cap, and it appeared they had free agent David Lee ready to be the tough, athletic rebounder they need to complement scorers such as Rudy Gay and O.J. Mayo. Then suddenly, a day into free agency, they passed on Lee and took on the last two years and $33 million of Randolph's contract instead. Randolph is a talented offensive player, but he has a terrible track record of seldom passing the ball and often getting into trouble, making him perhaps the worst possible fit for a franchise trying to build around some talented young players.
I don't blame Memphis GM Chris Wallace, as a number of sources have told me that it was owner Michael Heisley who pushed for Randolph over Lee. But I don't think it's hyperbole to call this move devastating to the franchise.
Chad Ford covers the NBA for ESPN Insider.
