12 Memphis Grizzlies

G CHUCKY ATKINS	9.5 ppg	2.8 apg	0.61 spg	39.4 FG%	35.4 3FG%
F RUDY GAY (R)*	15.2 ppg	6.4 rpg	1.58 bpg	1.76 spg	46.1 FG%
F HAKIM WARRICK	4.1 ppg	2.1 rpg	0.31 bpg	0.21 spg	44..3 FG%
G JAKE TSAKALIDIS	5.0 ppg	4.2 rpg	0.63 bpg	0.27 spg	60.6 FG%
G DAHNTAY JONES	4.0 ppg	1.5 rpg	0.21 bpg	0.54 spg	41.4 FG%

Given how his last stint in Memphis ended, Stromile Swift is surprised to be wearing a Grizzlies uniform again. But rather than sulk, as he did at the end of the 2004--05 season and into the playoffs because of a lack of playing time, he's determined to make the best of his second tour. "When they decided to bring me back, I had to put all that behind me," says Swift, a forward-center who last year signed as a free agent with the Rockets after five seasons with the franchise that drafted him.

Looking for a potential scorer to play alongside star Pau Gasol , Memphis traded Shane Battier to Houston in June for the draft rights to Rudy Gay . Getting Swift back as part of the deal was a bonus. "Stro's ability to protect the goal," says coach Mike Fratello , "will make people think twice about whether or not they want to attack the rim."

Though known primarily for his shot blocking, Swift will assume a greater role in the offense this time, with Gasol sidelined for at least three months (he broke his left foot at the world championships). The 6'9", 230-pound Swift is an able, if inconsistent, scorer whose wiry frame, innate athleticism (a tattoo of Jesus holding a basketball drapes his left shoulder and is framed by the words a gift from god) and leaping ability serve him best near the basket.

This reliance on Swift is an abrupt reversal from the end of the '04--05 season. Now, ironically, Swift can carve out the leadership position he has long coveted with the very team he fled. "Hopefully," he says, "I can come in and make a difference and be better than I was when I left."

Projected Starting Lineup with 2005--06 statistics

Record: 49--33 (4th in West)

Points scored: 92.2 (27th in NBA )

Points allowed: 88.5 (1st)

Coach: Mike Fratello

(third season with the Grizzlies)