The Grizzlies officially announced on Sunday that general manager Chris Wallace has signed a multi-year contract extension. Although the exact terms of the deal have not been disclosed yet, it is likely to keep Wallace in Memphis for at least the next three years. The deal is a vote of high confidence from owner Michael Heisley, who has given Wallace control over many aspects of the Grizzlies organization.
Is this contract extension a good thing for the Grizzlies? In my opinion, yes and no. I say yes because, despite his oft-ridiculed decisions, Wallace has turned the Grizzlies from Western Conference doormats into contenders. The Pau Gasol trade, his most widely publicized transaction, has actually proved semi-fruitful for the Griz. Marc Gasol, acquired in the trade, has developed into one of the NBA's top centers and the Grizzlies own the Lakers' first round pick in this year's draft. Additionally, he spearheaded the trade of Kevin Love for OJ Mayo.
However, I say it's a bad thing because part of me wants some new blood. The Grizzlies are 86-160 under Wallace and he made the brilliant decision to fire the team's scouts. He lets Heisley weild WAY too much influence in the team's basketball decisions. I hope that he addressed that in the contract negotiations. The horrible decison to draft Hasheem Thabeet was engineered by Heisley; Wallace and the other basketball minds in the front office should have stopped that.
Overall, I'm lukewarm on Wallace. After this draft, I'll have a much stronger opinion. A lot will change in the next week.
Can't wait for the draft,
Owen
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