Known for their “Grit N’ Grind” style, or for their defence-first system, the Memphis Grizzlies enter the 2015-2016 NBA season with the same identity and maybe even a souped-up version of a defensive unit from last season.

The Grizzlies are returning with the same core; All-Star centre Marc Gasol and capable offensive players in Zach Randolph and Mike Conley. Also under contract next season are defensive whiz Tony Allen, Courtney Lee and Jeff Green—all of whom played vital roles on both of ends of the floor for the Grizzlies last season.

Last season, particularly in the NBA Playoffs, the Grizzlies were criticized for not having enough players showing up on offence. The hard-headed Memphis front office responded this offseason by acquiring more defensive players; Brandan Wright, via free agency and Matt Barnes, via a separate trade deal.

The Grizzlies signed Gasol to a $113.2 million (approximately AU $155.64 million) contract over five years in the recent offseason showing that they are committed to the Spanish centre for the long-term. Gasol had multiple suitors during the summer but decided not to meet or visit any other NBA team showing his commitment to Memphis, where he has played since high school.

Gasol averaged 17.4 points (career-high), 7.8 rebounds, 3.8 assists and 1.7 blocked shots last season—numbers good enough for the Spaniard’s second NBA All-Star Game appearance, his first as a starter in the midseason showcase.

Gasol, along with Conley and Randolph and a bunch of 3-and-D players-- wingmen who can hit the three-point shot and play defense like Lee and Barnes-- or rim-protector or lockdown defender—like Wright and Allen, respectively—the Grizzlies will bring the same grind-it-out defensive stay for the upcoming season.

Conley averaged 18.6 points, 3.0 rebounds, 5.4 assists (team-high) and 1.3 steals per game in the regular season while Randolph logged in 19.5 points, 10.5 rebounds (team-high) and 2.2 assists.

2015-2016 Memphis Grizzlies Projected Depth Chart:
Point Guards: Mike Conley/Beno Udrih/Russ Smith
Shooting Guards: Courtney Lee/Vince Carter
Small Forwards: Tony Allen/Matt Barnes
Power Forwards: Zach Randolph/Jeff Green
Centres: Marc Gasol/Brandan Wright/Ryan Hollins

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