The Memphis Grizzlies were supposed to be a push over in these playoffs. They were a young team without their dynamic scorer Rudy Gay, and had a long history of losing. Yet now they dismantled the top seeded Spurs, and just forced at game 4 against 4th seeded Oklahoma City Thunder. No one really gave the Grizzlies a shot this postseason, but now they are one game away from their first Western Conference Finals.

It looked as though the Grizzlies run would end last night, as they were down by 10 at halftime, but Memphis battled back and ended up winning 95-83. The Grizzlies won in an all-around team effort led by Zach Randolph and O.J. Mayo, who combined for 46 points. The Grizzlies played excellent defense, which stymied Kevin Durant for his worst playoff performance yet, 11 points on 3 of 14 shooting. Memphis really challenged the Thunder’s 3-point attempts, and they ended up just 4 of 25 from behind the arc.

Memphis also won the battle in the paint (46-38), matched Oklahoma City in rebounds, and just really controlled the tempo in the 2nd half. The Grizzlies also limited their turnovers, which had been a problem earlier in the series.

The Thunder will need to make quick adjustments for Sunday as they look to avoid blowing their advantage in this series. Oklahoma City needs to find a way to get Durant more open looks, as he was constantly double-teamed last night. While Westbrook and Harden had nice nights, they either need to score more, or add a 3rd option to make the Grizzlies pay for the attention that Durant receives. Both Kendrick Perkins and Serge Ibaka need to produce more on offense, or at least be enough of a threat to try to get Randolph in foul trouble.

One area that the Thunder struggled with that can’t be blamed on the Grizzlies defense was their free throw shooting. Oklahoma City shot just 17 of 24 from the charity stripe, or 70.8%. That is down from their league leading regular season high of 82.3%. Also, their 24 attempts is less than their usual 29.3 (you can give Memphis some credit here for not taking unnecessary fouls), which cost them additional points (presuming they’d actually make them). The biggest surprise though was the fact that Durant, Westbrook and Harden eached missed at least 1 attempt (which in an of itself isn’t too bad, but combined it really hurt), despite all being 85% shooters.

It should be an interesting game to watch on Sunday, as the Grizzlies found some weaknesses in the Thunder’s armor. Can Oklahoma figure out a way to get their offense back on track, while at the same time find a way to stop Randolph? That will be the central question, and if they don’t have an answer to it their season will be over.

Grizzlies Continue The Lakers Losing Streak: The Grizzlies handed the Lakers their third straight loss last night, and began to show they they are a legit team. Memphis might just be 8-10, but they have won four of their last five and I believe are capable of getting a playoff spot. The Grizzlies have gone on this run ever since they installed rookie Xavier Henry into the starting lineup. While moving O.J. Mayo out of the starting lineup was a bit of a shock at first, he gives them an excellent 6th man off the bench. I really like the Grizzlies roster and think their youth and talent is ready to breakout. Their wins last week over the Heat and last night over the Lakers proved that they could play with anyone, and I think it might be time to stop being surprised when Memphis beats a good team, since they are one themselves.

James Gets Ready to Be Homeward Bound: Tomorrow night LeBron James and the Heat head to Cleveland, for #23 (#6)’s return to the place where it all started. Now this game isn’t really a matchup between two playoff contenders, but it is going to feel like it is. You just know that the Cavs will do everything in their power to ensure James goes to South Beach with a loss. At the same time LeBron’s new teammates will fight hard to support their star. Beyond what happens with the players on the court the most interesting battle will be between the Heat and the fans in the stands. Yankees-Red Sox and Cowboys-Redskins rivalries have nothing on the fan hatred in Cleveland towards James. You know the fans will let him hear it every time he touches the ball and it will be must see tv. Even if you aren’t a basketball fan I’m guessing watching 10 minutes of this game will be well worth your time.

By Fanspeak Contributing Writer Geoff Nelowet

It was announced yesterday that Dirk Nowitzki will be re-signing with the Dallas Mavericks for the next four years with a little over $80 million in guarantees – which would put Nowitzki substantially shy of of the maximum ($96.2M). Since free agency began Thursday morning, this was easily the most pragmatic and commendable move by any organization. Nowitzki signed a reasonable contract so that the Mavericks could pursue other free agents and build a better team. In an off season where players are demanding an insane number of max contracts, this is a breath of fresh air.

The move that instantly stands out as a mistake is the rumor that Joe Johnson was thrown the absolute maximum to return to the Atlanta Hawks for the next five years. It is believed that Johnson will sign on Monday for an absurd $125.5 M. It is easy to see that Johnson is a great player, but there is a monumental difference between Johnson and say Dwyane Wade. The Atlanta Hawks won 53 games last season and were laughed out of the second round of the playoffs. Ask yourself: how much worse would the Hawks have been without Johnson’s 21 points per game? The Hawks had a very balanced team that was solid on defense. Many would argue that Al Horford and Josh Smith – two lockdown defenders – were far more important to the Hawks’ success than Johnson ever was. Furthermore, with Johnson eating away at their cap space for the next five seasons, the Hawks have almost no chance of ever significantly improving their roster unless the plummet into the lottery.

Many were skeptical three years ago when the Washington Wizards threw $111 M at Gilbert Arenas – a guy who came off back-to-back seasons of 28+ points per game and 6 assists. Joe Johnson’s deal makes this look like a steal. It is difficult to quantify exactly how bad Johnson’s contract is, but let me say this: players that can score 20+ points per game are in unending supply in the NBA. Had Johnson played with lesser teammates, he would be making half of what he is about to be paid. The Atlanta Hawks will regret this contract.

Rudy Gay is another prime example of a player being paid well more than his worth. Last week Gay signed a five-year, $80 M deal. This contract is for a player that last season averaged 19 point per game, 6 rebounds and played sub-par defense. Rudy Gay will never be more than a second or third option on a playoff team, yet he will be making $16 M a season to Dirk Nowitzki’s $20 M. I think it is clear that these contracts are not accurate representations of the value of each player, and it is insane to think the Joe Johnson will be making more money than Dirk Nowitzki. There are three players aside from Nowitzki that should receive max contracts in this free agency: LeBron James, Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh. Every other bloated contract that gets doled out this free agency will quickly become a mistake that will haunt franchises for five long years.

Deals I loved:

Memphis resigning Rudy Gay: I know, I know everyone is saying the Grizzlies overpaid for Gay, but they had to retain him. They are a team heading in the right direction (despite not having the greatest draft) and can compete for a deep playoff run next season with Gay back in the fold. Sometimes Gay disappears from games, but part of that is the Grizzlies weakness at the point guard position which doesn’t set him up effectively. While they paid a steep price, Gay is just 23 and should continue to develop into a star.

Suns resigning Channing Frye: Frye will make more than $10 million less than (likely) former teammate Amare Stoudemire, and will be a bargain for the Suns as Amare heads to greener pastures. Frye might not have Stoudemire’s physicality or athletic ability, but he is a Forward/Center who can give them solid minutes. He also has 3-point range that makes him a tough defensive assignment for opposing big men. Frye is not a star but he should be well worth the money they are giving him.

Moves I really liked:

Bucks grabbing Drew Gooden: I have always been a pretty big Drew Gooden fan. He might not be a perennial All-Star, but he gets the job done in the paint and can play both the 4 and the 5. He is a good rebounder and has a solid midrange game. He isn’t going to average 20 and 10, but he will give you a solid 12-15 points and 7-10 boards a game. Gooden is also a consistent player and is still just 28 years old, which makes him a safe bet for the length of the contract. The Bucks filled their biggest need, and did so without completely breaking the bank. If Michael Redd is healthy the Bucks have a quality starting lineup.

Moves I am indifferent on:

Bucks resigning John Salmons: I like John Salmons and he is a good player but paying him over $8 million a year over 5 years is a bit risky. Two weeks ago this deal would have made more sense but in that time the Bucks announced that Carlos Delfino will return, traded for SF Corey Maggette and SG Chris Douglas-Roberts and drafted a pair of guys who can play the 3 in Sanders and Hobson. Now I understand the team being worried about the health of Michael Redd, but they could have gotten a solid 2-3 player in the $4-6 million dollar range which would have made a lot more sense. While Salmons might be worth $8 million+ a year if he was a full-time starter, he isn’t worth it on the Bucks.

Moves I didn’t like:

Raptors resign Amir Johnson: There are some things to like with Amir Johnson, he is a young big man with some upside, but not nearly enough things for me to justify paying $7 million a year over 5 years. Johnson averaged 6.2 points and 4.8 boards a game last year. And while yes his opportunities will go up next year with Chris Bosh likely moving on, Johnson averaged 18 minutes already and will now fight with rookie Ed Davis for time. Johnson is a good back up power forward, but they are paying him like a starter. I think Toronto will regret this deal pretty quickly, as they won’t get near the production they are looking for. Especially when you consider they could have had either Frye or Gooden for less, guys who can play the 5 and spread the floor.

Timberwolves resign Darko Milicic: Milicic is the ultimate bust story and while he is on his way to possibly resurrecting his career, he is not worth $20 million over 4 years. Yes Milicic is just 25 and is a 7 footer, but he has never showed he can be a legit starter or even significant contributor anywhere he has been. And Milicic has been given plenty of chances to do well, with some pretty solid supporting casts. While I do believe some upside is there, he shouldn’t be getting $5 million a year, and definitely not over 4 years. This contract eats up a good chunk of the Timberwolves cap space, at a time when there were still better options available. This is not the deal you were hoping for if you were a Timberwolves fan.

By Fanspeak contributing writer Geoff Nelowet

With the Los Angeles Lakers and Cleveland Cavaliers dominating nearly every media outlet, and with the words “Kobe” and “LeBron” prefacing every NBA conversation, it’s time we take a look at the teams that aren’t leading the league right now, but almost certainly will be in the future. I’ve ranked the top five teams of the future based on three criteria: young talent, salary cap space, and projected draft status. Two of the five teams are currently NBA bottom feeders, but they have young talent, cap space, and ostensibly a top-five draft pick in this summer’s NBA draft.

1. Oklahoma City Thunder

Record: 39-24 Payroll: 58.3 M (28^th in NBA) Draft Status: two non-lottery first round picks, OKC and Phoenix

Kevin Durant, Russell Westbrook, Jeff Green and James Harden make up easily the best young nucleus in the NBA. Durant is currently second in the NBA in scoring at almost 30 per game, and Westbrook is averaging nearly 17 points and 8 assists in just his second professional season. Jeff Green is having a bit of a down year, but he’s still putting up 14.5 points and over 6 boards a night, and rookie James Harden is averaging 10 points per game in limited minutes.

This team has already found success in the NBA, as they currently sit as the five seed in the rugged Western Conference playoff race. They will definitely be the proverbial “team nobody wants to face come playoff time” because they get better every week, and it’s only a matter of time before they become the NBA elite.

This team also holds the third-lowest payroll in the NBA, and with this summer expected to be the biggest free agency in decades, the Oklahoma City Thunder could land a low post player such as Amare Stoudemire or Carlos Boozer. Even more optimistically, the Thunder could go after Chris Bosh. Regardless of what transpires this summer or the next, the Thunder are in line to sign a major low-post contributor that will almost definitely push them over the top.

2. Portland Trail Blazers

Record: 39-28 Payroll: 55.8 M (30^th) Draft Status: non-lottery selection

The Portland Trail Blazers looked like a team with an even brighter future a year ago, but with Greg Oden facing major injuries – and the fact that he simply has not become a dominant NBA center, the Trail Blazers bright future has slightly dimmed. Also many people had high hopes for foreigner Rudy Fernandez, and especially after the Olympics, but he has yet to amount to anything more than a solid backup wing player.

Despite these setbacks, the Trail Blazers are still a team fraught with good, young talent. Brandon Roy and LaMarcus Aldridge have become cornerstones for the franchise, and Roy looks to be one of the best young scorers in the NBA. Oden still has plenty of upside as long as he stays healthy, and Jerryd Bayless and Nicolas Batum round out a very young and talented bench.

Portland also has the lowest payroll in the NBA, and premium talent is on its way. Portland of course, will be vying with nearly half the league to sign the big name free agents this summer, but even if they end up signing second or third tier players, they will still be a major force in the Western Conference for years to come.

3. Memphis Grizzlies

Record: 34-31 Payroll: 57.4 M (29^th) Draft Status: three first round picks, top-fifteen pick (Memphis), two non-lottery DEN and LAL

OJ Mayo, Marc Gasol and Rudy Gay have already made this team competitive, and they will only get better with time. Mayo averages 17.5 points per game in just his second NBA season, and Gasol has emerged as one of the best young centers in the league averaging nearly 15 points and 10 rebounds. Rudy Gay has been equally as good averaging 20 points and 5 boards.

Memphis’ young nucleus has been in the NBA for three seasons or less, and with solid young players such as Mike Conley and Sam Young contributing on a nightly basis, this looks to be one of the better teams in the NBA down the road. Memphis also has center Hasheem Thabeet, whom they drafted second overall last summer riding the bench. He is the prototypical “project” player, and he has spent time in the NBDL, which is generally a bad sign, but he still has the ability to be an excellent player. With three first round picks they can either package them to acquire a top lottery pick or use all three to have a top young bench.

Memphis holds the second-lowest payroll in the NBA. They have the ability to make a major splash in free agency, but it will be difficult for them to reel in big name free agents when they are competing with the New York Knicks or any other more enticing destination.

4. Golden State Warriors

Record: 17-47 Payroll: 65.9 M (21^st) Draft Status: top-five pick

This team may be a surprise on this list, but they will boast arguably the best backcourt in the NBA for years to come. Monta Ellis and Stephen Curry have become two of the best guard in the NBA, and they can both score and pass. Ellis is currently fifth in the NBA in scoring at 25.5 per game, and Stephen Curry, in his rookie season, has averaged over 20 points per game over the last two months.

The Warriors also have Andris Biedrins and Anthony Randolph – two very good young players – in their frontcourt. Biedrins has been battling injuries, and Randolph has been inconsistent at times, but both have the skills to be excellent starters, and they have demonstrated that on numerous occasions.

Golden State will likely not be a big spender this off season, but they are in line for a top-five draft pick, which means even more young talent. Of course, their pick could be a bust, but this draft is expected to be unusually deep. If the Warriors get lucky and earn a top-two pick, they could set themselves up for a very promising future.

5. Minnesota Timberwolves

Record: 14-51 Payroll: 62.2 M (24^th) Draft Status: Up to three selections, top-five pick Minn., late-1st round (Utah), mid-round (Charlotte)*

The Timberwolves have one of the best young frontcourts in the NBA with Al Jefferson averaging 17 points and 9 rebounds per game, and Kevin Love contributing 15 points and 11 boards per night. Both players are under 25 years old, which is the most impressive part of their performances. Rookie Jonny Flynn has averaged nearly 14 points per game at point guard for the Timberwolves, and he completes their triumvirate of young talent. The Timberwolves also hold the rights to the top international player, Ricky Rubio, who can be used as a major trade chip down the road.

The Timberwolves also hold a minimal payroll, with most of their contracts coming off the books at the end of the season. As with every team, signing a big name free agent will be a highly competitive endeavor, and it is unlikely that someone such as LeBron James would ever consider signing with Minnesota, but looking ahead to future free agent classes, the T-Wolves could be a major player.

Most importantly, Minnesota is a lock for a top-five draft pick. They will be able to add a fourth elite young player to their already talented core group. They could also have an additional two first round picks that the Timberwolves could use to bolster their bench with young talent.This summer’s draft could push teams such as Minnesota and Golden State to immediate playoff contenders similar to the jump that Memphis made this past year.

*Charlotte’s pick is top 12 protected, right now they are just outside the top 12, but that could easily change.