Where's the Love for the Grizzlies?

Yesterday the Grizzlies signed Rudy Gay to a 5-year deal worth $80 million. The critics are all over that move. The funny thing is that those same critics would have been just as upset had the Grizzlies let him sign with another team. They would have been claiming that the Grizzlies continue to show that they don't want to spend money (remember the Pau Gasol deal?).

Just a couple of days ago the experts at ESPN made their predictions as to where the top free agents would end up. Guess what they thought about Rudy Gay and the Grizzlies? None of them thought he would end up staying in Memphis. That shows the lack of respect people have for the Grizzlies (or Memphis). So the Grizzlies stepped up and paid Rudy Gay. And, yes, they probably paid too much. But I think they had to do it. They had to keep Rudy Gay as a Grizzlies.

So just remember. The Grizzlies were the surprise team this season. They exceeded everyone's expectations. And I think they'll continue to do so.