Although Grizzlies owner Michael Heisley was disappointed that his team lost its opening round series to the Clippers, he tells Ronald Tillery of the Memphis Commercial Appeal that he's not "moping."
"I remember I went nine years without winning a playoff game," Heisley said. "I'd like to have more, but I feel pretty good about this team. I'm looking at the big picture."
The big picture for the Grizzlies will include a number of roster decisions this summer, so let's check out a few updates on those upcoming moves….
- Heisley tells Tillery the franchise isn't in position to add much salary, and that "we can't be in the luxury tax business." The owner also added that Lionel Hollins will return to coach the team and sounded baffled by the criticism and blame Hollins received after the first round loss.
- O.J. Mayo would like to remain in Memphis, but given the salary he'll command as a restricted free agent, the Grizzlies probably won't have the flexibility to bring him back, Tillery writes in a separate piece.
- The Grizzlies' limited room under the tax threshold may preclude any major free agent signing, but if the opportunity arises, Rudy Gay is willing to recruit players: "Hopefully, whoever we decide to go after will see the progress we made as a franchise and want to be a part of that. If it comes to me talking to somebody into coming, I'll do it. I've done it before."
- Hollins would like to add a point guard to complement starter Mike Conley.
- Geoff Calkins of the Commercial Appeal previews the Grizzlies' offseason, noting that he thinks the club should explore trades involving Gay.