#3: Memphis Grizzlies

The Memphis Grizzlies are off to a strong start this season considering how terrible they were last year, finishing with a record of 22-60. However, for most of the season they were without their unquestioned two best players, Mike Conley and Marc Gasol. Now that they are back in the lineup, it is no surprise to see the Grizzlies playing better immediately.

The Grizzlies with Conley and Gasol at the core enjoyed a streak of seven straight playoff appearances that ended last year. If the Grizzlies want to make the playoffs in the loaded Western Conference this year, they need all the offensive help they can get. They are very high on rookie forward Jaren Jackson Jr. and second year player, Dillon Brooks, but there is definitely a need for more options on the offensive end of the floor.

Adding J.R. Smith would immediately address the Grizzlies’ biggest hole: shooting. Smith could be a go-to scorer off the bench for the Grizzlies as they lack necessary offensive options to compete with the powerhouses in the West. Pairing him alongside shooter Omri Casspi could make the bench offense pretty formidable.

To sweeten things up for the Grizzlies, they could even try to facilitate a trade for both Smith and sharpshooter Kyle Korver, his teammate in Cleveland, who is also reportedly on the trade block.  

Next Up: Team #2