Niko Regalbuto-
Today, January 31st, is a very special day as pop superstar and minority Grizzlies owner Justin Timberlake is celebrating his 32nd birthday. So instead of sitting here in my astronomy class just pretending to pay attention, I’ve decided to put my time to good use and take this class period to correlate every player in the Grizzlies rotation to a Timberlake song. Enjoy!
Marc Gasol- Tearin Up My Heart (NSYNC)
Seriously, who didn’t love this song? Chances are if you turned on the radio in the late 90’s, Tearin’ Up My Heart was blaring through the speakers. This was the first big hit from Justin and crew, creating the foundation for something bigger, and Marc Gasol is the foundation for the Grizzlies. This guy may be the best center in the league right now. He plays excellent defense, he’s one of the leagues best passers from the high post, has a beautiful hook shot, and is shooting 87% from the free throw line. He may not be the most appreciated, as Zach Randolph made the all-star game, but let’s be honest, everyone thought JC Chasez was the big star of N’SYNC too.
Zach Randolph- Rock Your Body
Zach Randolph will rock your body, plain and simple. At 6-9 253 pounds, Randolph has the ability to box out anybody and everybody. He’s one of the premier rebounders in the league because of his ability to seal off his opponent and do work on the glass. Offensively, I’d imagine holding your ground against a Randolph back down is something like when Kevin Hart tried to take the ball from Ron Artest in Think Like A Man. Randolph is a load in the paint, and it’s good to see him making his second All Star game this season.
Tayshaun Prince- Sexy Back
Tayshaun was stuck in one of the most unfortunate situations in the league prior to yesterday’s big trade. After being on the great Pistons teams of the early 2000’s, Prince watched helplessly as all his teammates departed, and was left by his lonesome self with the rebuilding franchise. Once accustomed to winning, there’s no question Prince will be proving he’s still got it in Memphis. Prince has probably seen the last of his days on lottery teams, as now he’ll be a premier perimeter threat on a heavyweight contender. For those that doubt if Prince still has what it takes to be a key player on a top team, just watch him bring sexy back.
Tony Allen- Cry Me A River
One of the great parts about Timberlake is that despite making dozens of great upbeat songs, he’s able to slow it down and create masterpieces like Cry Me A River. In a league that is ruled by the bright lights of scorers and the points per game column, Tony Allen is a nice change of pace from the customary starter. Allen is a defensive specialist, and his renowned abilities have put him in the Defensive Player of the Year talks over the past few years.
Mike Conley- My Love
My Love is a classic by Timberlake. The whole time he’s sweet talking a lady, in smooth fashion of course, then T.I. comes in with a verse and speeds it up a little. It’s the best of both worlds between Justin’s singing and T.I. rapping, who was one of the best artists out at the time. Mike Conley, much like My Love, is not one-dimensional. He’s awesome offensively, creating space for teammates, and showcasing a career average of just two turnovers per game. While defensively, his long arms and high IQ make it tough on any opponent, which is one of the reasons he is second in the league in steals per game.
Jerryd Bayless- Like I Love You
“I could change your life if you give me that chance to be your man.” I feel like this is what Bayless told the Grizzlies organization to convince them he would be a viable replacement for O.J. Mayo. The song is overrated, as was he.
Austin Daye- Carry Out (Timberland)
The chorus of this song repeats “turn me on my baby don’t you cut me out.” That is exactly what Daye is hoping for with his restart in Memphis. After being cut out of the equation in Detroit, hopefully Daye’s three point success this season could lead to some productive minutes from him in the near future.
Ed Davis- Signs
The 13th pick in the 2010 NBA draft, Ed Davis has shown signs of being a solid NBA big man. He should be a great addition to the Memphis bench.
Darrell Arthur- Where Is The Love (Black Eyed Peas)
Despite having decent per 36 numbers, Arthur got replaced last year by Marreese Speights as the first big off the bench, and now it’s presumed Ed Davis will grab that role. Where’s the love for Arthur in Memphis?
Quincy Pondexter- It’s Gonna’ Be Me (NSYNC)
Pondexter actually plays pretty good D, and he’s the Grizzlies best three-point shooter this year. But he’s probably saying “Every little thing I do, never seems enough for you” to the media, because no one ever talks about him, ever.
Jon Leuer- Bye Bye Bye (NSYNC)
Leuer is on his 4th team in just his second year. He’s literally been told “bye” from three different teams, making this one a given.
Tony Wroten- Summer Love
The Grizzlies absolutely fell in love with Tony Wroten this summer. He’s only made appearances in 12 games thus far, but he does look like a talented versatile player.
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