re: This will be a Memphis Grizzlies thread. Early bandwagoners get priority seating

ESPN 5 for 5. wests best player.

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Cavan: Lobsanity. An impressive all-phases takedown of the champs aside, the Clippers are second in the West in point differential (+7.6), third overall in offensive efficiency (106.5) and 11th in defense (97.8), and they boast a bench so deep that Trey Thompkins has to wear scuba gear to stave off the bends. It's too early to be measuring out Staples rafter space, but this team has a contender's makings.

Chau: The Grizzlies. Before the season, it really looked like the Grizzlies were tapping on a glass ceiling. But the team has added some glamour to its grit and grind with a newfound touch from the perimeter. Memphis is still a shutdown force on defense, and its offense is no longer a liability. It has made quite the difference so far.

McNeill: The Memphis Grizzlies have the West's best record, including wins over Miami and Oklahoma City, and the third-best point differential in the league. They are big and tough and have shown they can win in the playoffs. When they get a healthy Darrell Arthur back, Memphis will be scary.

Schiller: The Memphis Grizzlies. Zach Randolph looks healthy, Mike Conley Jr. and Marc Gasol continue to improve, and the Bayless/Ellington/Pondexter bench unit won't miss 3s. Suddenly, they don't have to win just with their defense anymore. As with the Knicks, we need to see what happens when the shooting regresses, but with wins against both 2012 finalists, this team looks scary.

Strauss: The Grizzlies. This complete team is defined by its lack of stars, but it might just be growing one. Marc Gasol is a woolly mammoth of a man who passes with point guard skill. His assists are stoking a newly efficient offense, and his defense remains smothering.

Wallace: The Grizzlies. They're off to the best start in franchise history after beating Miami and Oklahoma City, last season's Finals participants, in consecutive games. Rudy Gay is performing like a franchise player and Marc Gasol has taken the lead as the better of the Gasol brothers with his playmaking and versatility.