Fox Sports is the first national media to actually predict the Grizzlies make the playoffs. While hedging their bets a bit by saying they made not end up in 7th place you have to like hearing at least one media type realizing that the team has made some good moves this season. This is also the first publication I have seen that didn’t have the Grizzlies in the cellar of the Southwest Division.

Dark Horse

7) Memphis Grizzlies - Honestly, I just really like the way this Grizzlies team is being built. They may not end up here at the end of the season, but I bet they’ll be in contention for a playoff berth all year long. Remember, the Grizzlies were a playoff team two years ago, but just folded after Gasol went down for over 20 games at the beginning of the season. Marc Iavaroni is a very good coach, and there’s a ton of talent on this team.

John Hollinger continued his long standing tradition of disliking the Grizzlies with his predictions on ESPN.com. You will need to be an ESPN Insider to read his in depth analysis or you can go to Shades of Blue or the Memphis Grizzlies Message Board to read what he thinks of the team. Believe me it isn’t accurate or favorable. You wonder how these guys get away with writing things like the reason Memphis led the league in shot attempts blocked is Pau Gasol’s tendancy to attack the rim. I am sure it had nothing to do with Lawrence Roberts getting all of his shots blocked last season.

Mark Price, the new Grizzlies Shooting Coach, got props from Dallas Mavericks coach Avery Johnson. He credits Price’s improving Desagna Diop’s shooting after a clinic with Mark this summer for Mark getting the job in Memphis. I believe it had a lot more to do with Marc Iavaroni’s work in Phoenix but keep an eye out on Diop’s shooting this season. If Price can get Diop to improve his shooting after a couple of days working out then watch out for the Grizzlies this season.

The Grizzlies are in Spain and starting tomorrow I am hitting the beaches myself, but not in Spain. Apparently being a blogger doesn’t get me an airplane ticket to Malaga. However the games in Spain are being broadcast on NBA TV. Check your cable or satellite providers for the channels. I believe that Comcast will be broadcasting on channels 221 and 649. Dish Network is broadcasting on channel 560 and Direct TV on channel 601.

Kyle Lowry has returned to practicing with the team after the scare with his ankle injury. Missing such a short period of time may leave Kyle in the competition for starting Point Guard but between his ankle injury, Mike Conley’s nasty thigh bruise and Damon Stoudamire’s excellent play so far the starting job may not be in as much contention as most people assumed during the summer.