What are your thoughts about the Grizzlies as the season approaches? How do you feel about their playoff/title chances?

Kenneth Hudson: The Grizzlies continue to build and surround their core players with strong help off the bench. Even though the Grizzlies are one of the youngest teams in the league, they continue to make progress. I think they have a very good chance of making the playoffs this year. It's a little too soon to talk about a title, but I do believe they will make the playoff again and win a few games.

John Hoffman: I expect the Grizzlies to improve on last season’s record (24-58), but it’s a stretch to think of this team as a playoff team. Two talented veterans (Zach Randolph, Allen Iverson) have been added, though both come with reputations for being less than committed team players. Iverson’s presence (on a one-year deal) is likely to take playing time from third-year point guard Mike Conley, and possibly from second year guard O. J. Mayo. The Grizzlies could be potent offensively, but apart from the center position (Marc Gasol, Hasheem Thabeet), will likely struggle on defense, at least with the starting unit. Neither Gasol nor Thabeet will provide much offense, but Iverson, Mayo, Rudy Gay and Randolph all averaged at or near 20 points last season. Bench scoring will be a weakness, unless Iverson agrees to play behind Conley and Mayo.

Do you feel that holes in the roster still need to be addressed, and if so, can they be addressed?

JH: The Grizzlies need to play better defense, especially on the perimeter, but unless rookie swingman DeMarre Carroll develops quickly, defense will probably be a weakness throughout the season. The bench is weak, especially offensively. With owner Michael Heisley determined to control costs, payroll and otherwise, significant additions to the roster are unlikely.

KH: The Grizz really need an outside shooter who can come off the bench. I really don't know if that area has been addressed via the draft; only time will tell.

How do you feel that they compare with the Celtics, and the rest of the NBA?

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