By: Stephen Patterson
After it was announced earlier today that Rudy Gay would be out at least four weeks with a partially dislocated shoulder, the first thing that ran through my mind was that the season was over for the Memphis Grizzlies as far as postseason hopes were concerned.
As bright as everything had been for the team moving forward just 24 hours ago, it seemed like all of it had just been taken away with the disheartening news of the injury.
But after thinking about it for several minutes, I decided the news wasn't quite as bad as it had first sounded.
As long as the rest of the team continues to play on the same level they have been over the past few weeks and not let Gay's absence bother them too much, Memphis should still be in the playoff hunt upon his return.
While the Grizzlies will clearly miss Gay's leadership on the court, as well as the 19.8 points per game he has been averaging this season, the team does have several options to fill his shoes for the short term.
After all, one week out of the four is being spent on the All-Star break, so hopefully he will only miss three weeks of actual games with the injury.
I'd expect head coach Lionel Hollins to either start Tony Allen in the small forward spot during the span; however, Hollins could put O.J. Mayo back in the starting line-up and slide Sam Young over to the small forward spot.
Hollins also has DeMarre Carroll on the bench, who has played very sparingly so far this season. He will likely see some additional playing time with Gay's absence.
Another option the Grizzlies will almost certainly pursue is the possibility of making a trade during the next week to acquire another small forward.
The team has long been rumored to be shopping Hasheem Thabeet and while they supposed haven't been actively trying to move Mayo, Memphis could try to move one or both of them in an attempt to acquire another forward.
As long as the Grizzlies can keep their heads above water during the next few weeks and try to keep their record during that span around .500 or better, I think Memphis will be right in the middle of the postseason hunt upon Gay's return.
