The Memphis Grizzlies made the playoffs in the past 6 seasons. They have a combined 290-186 win-loss record in the regular season during those times. But the farthest that they've reach in the playoffs was in the Western Conference Finals in 2013. That happened only once and they were swept by the San Antonio Spurs.
This season, it looks like they will make the NBA postseason once again. With a 13-8 win-loss record, they are third in the Southwest Division and fifth in the competitive Western Conference. They won two games in a row.
The trio of Mike Conley, Marc Gasol and Zach Randolph are leading the Grizzlies this season. In 20 games this seaon, Gasol is averaging 18.4 points, 3.9 assists, 1.7 blocks and 2.1 steals. Randolph on the other hand, is averaging 14.2 points and 7.9 rebounds on 47.6% shooting from the field and 75% shooting from the free-throw line.
Mike Conley is also having a phenomenal season averaging 19.2 points, 3.5 rebounds, 5.7 assists and 1.4 steals in 32.2 minutes. But on a game against the Charlotte Hornets, Conley suffered a traverse process fracture in his back, as per Yahoo Sports. The recovery time is said to be 6-8 weeks.
Because of this, Grizzlies is in search of a good point guard to fill in Conley's absence. And according to ESPN, the Grizzlies expressed their interest to sign NBA veteran Norris Cole. Cole is currently playing for the Shandong Golden Stars of the Chinese Basketball Association (CBA).
Drafted as the 28th pick in the 2011 NBA Draft by the Chicago Bulls, his rights was traded to Minnesota Timberwolves. But on that same night, he was finally traded to the Miami Heat. In his 5 years in the NBA, he averages 7.1 points, 2.0 rebounds and 2.8 assists in 347 regular games, as per Wikipedia.
As of now, the Grizzlies have rookie Wade Baldwin and Andrew Harrison as point guards. But if they could acquire Norris Cole, the Grizzlies might sustain their spot as one of the West's top teams. Cole is a starting point guard caliber player who has the athleticism and the skills to run the offense for a good team like the Grizzlies. Plus he is a two-time NBA champions.
Will the Memphis Grizzlies sign Norris Cole? Stay tuned for more NBA trade rumors and updates.
