The biggest change came from two factors, first was the inclusion of Hansen, and the second was the improvement in Guy’s efficiency.
If the sample size of the earlier games was considered too small, as of now, Hansen’s average stats are 19.8 points, 2.9 rebounds, 2 assists, and 2.1 steals per game, with a field goal percentage of 48.2% and a three-point percentage of 40.6%, truly core-level figures.
Don’t think that this scoring is low, the Grizzlies play a grinding style, naturally leading to fewer possessions, and currently, Hansen is the highest scorer on the team.
Even Stan later admitted in a detailed article that he was wrong.
"Hansen’s presence has elevated the Grizzlies’ perimeter strength by an entire level, and he appears to be in great physical shape. His previous stint with the Cavaliers just seems to have been marred by fatigue and injuries, making the Grizzlies the big winners in that trade."
Guy put up averages of 18.5 points, 6.2 rebounds, 2.8 assists, and 1.7 steals per game, and although his scoring has dipped in comparison to last season, his efficiency has significantly increased, with career highs of 47.1% field goal percentage and 39.6% three-point percentage.
Guy’s performance further proves that statistics really can be deceiving.
By staggering the playing times, it’s not just about good-looking stats; the efficiency can be very high as well.
Although Randolph ran into some injuries shortly after the season started, causing fluctuations in his performance, he still averaged 17.2 points and 11.2 rebounds per game.
However, the overall cohesiveness of the team and the synergy that exceeded expectations began to garner recognition from the outside.
The release of this ranking upset the fans of the Heat and the Cavaliers the most.
Calls for Spoelstra to step down and for Riley to take up the reigns peaked on social media.
It’s known that the Heat’s first championship came after Riley took over from Stan Van Gundy, an event with "successful experience" as precedence.
As for Cavaliers fans, they were even more upset than the Heat fans.
At least the Heat still had hope, but the Cavaliers were now at the bottom of The East.
Thabeet, who has been benched by Varejao all season, showed that he simply lacked the capability, not because he wasn’t nurtured while with the Grizzlies.
Meao, on the other hand, pulled off an average of over 20 points per game, the highest in his career, but he couldn’t lead the Cavaliers to victory.
As for Quincy Pondexter, who was thought to be able to replace Hansen, he averaged only 12 minutes with 2.8 points per game this season, and it’s unknown if he’ll even be in the NBA after his rookie season.
As the saying goes, without comparison, there is no harm, and the Cavaliers’ management was ruthlessly criticized by the fans.
"We need an explanation! Who made the trade for Han? That was a complete crime!"
"F*ck! Give me my money back! Refund my season ticket!"
"Speaking of which, management, since you were so good at ’licking’ that traitor’s boots, can’t you bring Han back?"
"While Han is in Memphis pushing for the playoffs or even the championship, we’re nosediving for the lottery picks, we all have a bright future."
... Chapters fırst released on 𝓷𝓸𝓿𝓮𝓵✶𝕗𝕚𝕣𝕖✶𝓷𝓮𝓽
Because of their great performance, the Grizzlies received more attention from the outside.
For a small-market team to gain attention, there is only one way: to achieve results.
Morant managed to rise quickly not only due to his personal skills but also because the Grizzlies had consecutively achieved second place in The West for two years.
Hansen also received more discussion from the outside, now considered somewhat of a "rising star."
The date was December 1st, and the Grizzlies were about to head on an away game, facing off against the Cavaliers.
Ranking Top Ten: Bulls, Lakers, Spurs, Celtics, Magic, Mavericks, Thunders, Grizzlies, Heat, Nuggets.