Things were supposed to be different this season for the Memphis Grizzlies and the Western Conference.
Back in early October, as preseason prognoses were rolled out, the West’s hierarchy seemed – for the most part – clearly defined.
Golden State was once again the supreme tyrant; adding DeMarcus Cousins to an already-unfair stable of top-tier talent.
Beneath them were a select few playoff locks – Houston, Utah, and perhaps Oklahoma City. Then, there were everyone else; a nebulous surplus of hopefuls vying for a select few tickets to the next round.
The Grizzlies found themselves mostly at the lower end of this cluttered expanse; predicted by many to compete for the playoffs, but ultimately fall short.