Memphis Grizzlies

{{Main|Vancouver Grizzlies}}

The Vancouver Grizzlies were a Canadian professional basketball team based in Vancouver, British Columbia. They were part of the Midwest Division of the Western Conference of the National Basketball Association (NBA). The team was established in 1995, along with the Toronto Raptors, as part of the NBA's expansion into Canada. Original proposals were for the team to be called the Vancouver Mounties, but objections from the Royal Canadian Mounted Police forced the team to find a new name. The nickname, "Grizzlies" was eventually selected, named after the grizzly bear indigenous to British Columbia.{{cite book |title=The Name Game: Football, Baseball, Hockey & Basketball How Your Favorite Sports Teams Were Named |last=Donovan |first=Michael Leo |year=1997 |publisher=Warwick Publishing |location=Toronto |isbn=1-895629-74-8 }}{{cite web|title=Behind The Name – Memphis Grizzlies|url=http://www.nba.com/grizzlies/features/feature-060512-behind_the_name.html|publisher=NBA Media Ventures, LLC|website=Grizzlies.com|date=May 12, 2006|access-date=November 7, 2023|archive-date=October 17, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231017155059/https://www.nba.com/grizzlies/features/feature-060512-behind_the_name.html|url-status=live}} The Grizzlies played their home games at General Motors (GM) Place for the entirety of their six seasons in Vancouver.

{{Main|Vancouver Grizzlies relocation to Memphis}}

The Vancouver Grizzlies applied to the NBA to relocate to Memphis, Tennessee on March 26, 2001, which was granted on July 3 leaving the Toronto Raptors as the only Canadian basketball team in the NBA. The team relocated following the 2000–01 season and were renamed the Memphis Grizzlies. After moving to Memphis, the team explored the possibility of changing “Grizzlies” to another name that better reflected the Memphis area. However, the community strongly supported the existing name. This is, primarily, because of the city's proud history with a previous team, also named Memphis Grizzlies. The original Memphis Grizzlies franchise played in the World Football League from 1974 to 1975. Memphis became the easternmost city in the Western Conference. In their first three seasons in Memphis, the Grizzlies played their home games at the Pyramid Arena.

The city of Memphis was previously represented by the Memphis Sounds of the American Basketball Association (ABA) from 1970 to 1975.{{cite web | url=https://www.nba.com/grizzlies/news/hardwood-classics-nights-151113 | title=Grizzlies debut throwback Memphis Sounds uniforms at first Hardwood Classics Night on Mon, Nov. 16 vs OKC | website=NBA.com | access-date=June 20, 2022 | archive-date=June 20, 2022 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220620200554/https://www.nba.com/grizzlies/news/hardwood-classics-nights-151113 | url-status=live }}{{cite web | url=https://www.cbssports.com/nba/news/grizzlies-unveil-aba-inspired-memphis-sounds-throwback-uniforms/ | title=Grizzlies unveil ABA-inspired Memphis Sounds throwback uniforms | date=November 13, 2015 | access-date=June 20, 2022 | archive-date=June 20, 2022 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220620200554/https://www.cbssports.com/nba/news/grizzlies-unveil-aba-inspired-memphis-sounds-throwback-uniforms/ | url-status=live }}

In the 2001 NBA draft, the Atlanta Hawks chose Pau Gasol as the third overall pick, trading him to the Grizzlies. Forward Shane Battier was selected with the sixth pick in the same draft by the Vancouver Grizzlies. They also acquired Jason Williams from the Sacramento Kings in exchange for Mike Bibby that same year. After the Grizzlies' first season in Memphis, Gasol won the NBA Rookie of the Year Award. However, despite the strong draft class, general manager Billy Knight was let go. After Knight's departure and the season, the team hired former Los Angeles Laker and Hall of Famer Jerry West as general manager in 2002, who later received the 2003–04 NBA Executive of the Year Award. After West's arrival the team was changed a great deal from Knight's team, with the removal of Sidney Lowe as head coach after 0–8 start to the season and a great deal of player movement, with players such as Mike Miller and James Posey becoming vital to the team's success. During the 2002–03 season, Hubie Brown was hired to coach the Grizzlies.

Before the team could improve, though, one final mistake from the Vancouver era happened to bite them. Their first round pick in the 2003 NBA draft, in which they could have had their choice of future All-Stars Carmelo Anthony, Chris Bosh, or Dwyane Wade, had been traded to the Detroit Pistons in 1997 for Otis Thorpe. Due to the structure of the lottery, the Grizzlies ended up losing the second overall pick, one which likely could have changed their future course by selecting any of the aforementioned players, for a player who didn't even play a full season for the team, playing only 47 games for the team before being released. Even considering the Pistons themselves used the pick on Darko Miličić, widely considered one of that year's biggest draft busts, the Grizzlies had indirectly performed one of the most lopsided trades in NBA history.

Brown won the NBA Coach of the Year Award during the next season when the Grizzlies made the NBA playoffs for the first time in team history in 2004 as the sixth seed in the Western Conference in a drastic change from being perennially one of the worst teams in the NBA. They also won a then-record 50 games under Gasol and Williams. In the playoffs, they faced the San Antonio Spurs, who swept them out of the playoffs in four games.

File:Pau gasol zz.jpg]]

Brown stepped down as head coach during the 2004–05 season. At the time of his resignation, the Grizzlies had a losing record but West hired TNT analyst and former coach Mike Fratello to replace Brown. The Grizzlies' record improved and the team advanced to the post-season for the second consecutive season. However, the Grizzlies were swept out in the first round again, this time by the Phoenix Suns. After the season, which ended with anger between Fratello and many of the players, namely Bonzi Wells and Jason Williams, the team had an active 2005 off-season in which they revamped the team and added veterans. While the Grizzlies lost Wells, Williams, Stromile Swift, and James Posey, they acquired Damon Stoudamire, Bobby Jackson, Hakim Warrick, and Eddie Jones. They made the playoffs for the third consecutive year as well.

With their record they had the fifth seed in the Western Conference playoffs and would face the Dallas Mavericks, who swept the Grizzlies in four games.

Following the 2006 NBA draft, Jerry West traded Shane Battier to the Houston Rockets for their first-round pick Rudy Gay and Stromile Swift. Before the 2006–07 season, they suffered a blow when Gasol broke his left foot while playing for Spain in the World Championships. The Grizzlies started the season 5–17 without Gasol, and then went 1–7 while he was limited to about 25 minutes per game. At that point, Fratello was fired and replaced by Tony Barone Sr. as interim coach. Barone was the team's player personnel director and had never coached an NBA game though he had coached at the collegiate level for both Creighton and Texas A&M being named coach of the year in their conferences three times during his tenure.

The Grizzlies finished the 2006–07 season with a league-worst 22–60 record, and Jerry West announced his resignation from his position as the team's general manager shortly after the end of the regular season. The team also hired Marc Iavaroni, who was previously with the Phoenix Suns as an assistant coach, to be the team's new head coach. Despite the last-place finish, the Grizzlies, who held the best chance of landing the first pick, ended up with the fourth pick in the 2007 NBA draft, with which the Grizzlies selected Mike Conley Jr..

On June 18, 2007, the Grizzlies named former Boston Celtics general manager Chris Wallace as the team's general manager and vice president of basketball operations, replacing the retired West.{{cite news |url=http://www.boston.com/sports/basketball/celtics/articles/2007/06/19/gm_wallace_joins_grizzlies/ |title=GM Wallace joins Grizzlies |last=Springer |first=Shira |date=June 19, 2007 |newspaper=The Boston Globe |access-date=November 22, 2007 |archive-date=November 2, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121102123905/http://www.boston.com/sports/basketball/celtics/articles/2007/06/19/gm_wallace_joins_grizzlies/ |url-status=live }} A few days later, they hired former Philadelphia 76ers and Orlando Magic head coach Johnny Davis, longtime NBA assistant coach Gordon Chiesa, and the head coach of the 2007 NBA Development League champion Dakota Wizards, David Joerger, as the team's new assistant coaches. Gene Bartow was named the Grizzlies' president of basketball operations on August 16, 2007.{{cite news|url=http://www.nba.com/grizzlies/news/bartow_named_president_hoops_lp-070816.html|title=Grizzlies name Gene Bartow President of Hoops LP|publisher=NBA Media Ventures, LLC|website=NBA.com|date=August 16, 2007|access-date=November 22, 2007|archive-date=November 9, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121109204703/http://www.nba.com/grizzlies/news/bartow_named_president_hoops_lp-070816.html|url-status=live}} On February 1, 2008, Pau Gasol was traded to the Los Angeles Lakers for Kwame Brown, Javaris Crittenton, Aaron McKie, rights to Marc Gasol (Pau's younger brother), and 2008 and 2010 first-round draft picks.{{cite web|title=In dire need of frontcourt help, Lakers acquire Gasol from Grizzlies|url=https://www.espn.com/nba/news/story?id=3226203|work=ESPN.com|date=February 3, 2008|access-date=May 7, 2015|archive-date=October 17, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111017021748/http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?id=3226203|url-status=live}}{{cite news|title=Gasol dealt to Lakers in blockbuster trade|url=http://www.nba.com/lakers/news/080201gasol_trade.html|publisher=NBA Media Ventures, LLC|website=NBA.com/Lakers|date=February 1, 2008|access-date=February 2, 2008|archive-date=March 8, 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090308092451/http://www.nba.com/lakers/news/080201gasol_trade.html|url-status=live}}

On January 22, 2009, head coach Marc Iavaroni was fired and replaced on an interim basis by assistant coach Johnny Davis for two games. Lionel Hollins was named the Grizzlies' permanent head coach on January 25, 2009.{{cite news|last=Tillery|first=Ronald|title=Grizzlies introduce Lionel Hollins as new coach|url=http://www.commercialappeal.com/sports/grizzlies/grizzlies-introduce-hollins-new-coach|work=The Commercial Appeal|date=January 25, 2009|access-date=January 26, 2009|archive-date=April 2, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150402163752/http://www.commercialappeal.com/sports/grizzlies/grizzlies-introduce-hollins-new-coach|url-status=live}}

On June 25, 2009, with the second overall pick in the NBA draft, Memphis selected Hasheem Thabeet, then selected DeMarre Carroll with the 27th overall pick. On September 9, 2009, the Grizzlies signed free agent Allen Iverson to a one-year, $3.5 million deal. He only played three games (none in Memphis) before he left for "personal problems". He was then waived by the Grizzlies.{{cite news|last=Aldridge|first=David|title=Iverson, Grizzlies part ways after tumultuous start|url=http://www.nba.com/2009/news/features/david_aldridge/11/16/iverson.grizzlies/|publisher=NBA Media Ventures, LLC|website=NBA.com|date=November 17, 2009|access-date=May 7, 2015|archive-date=October 22, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151022214458/http://www.nba.com/2009/news/features/david_aldridge/11/16/iverson.grizzlies/|url-status=live}}{{cite web|title=Allen Iverson, Memphis Grizzlies agree to terminate contract|url=https://www.espn.com/nba/news/story?id=4661327|work=ESPN.com|date=November 17, 2009|access-date=May 7, 2015|archive-date=May 18, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150518090758/http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?id=4661327|url-status=live}} Following Iverson's departure, the Grizzlies improved. With new acquisition Zach Randolph playing at an All-Star level, Marc Gasol's improvement, and a commitment to defense, the Grizzlies were in playoff contention for much of the 2009–10 season, before finishing 10th in the Western Conference with a win–loss record of 40–42.

File:Rudy Gay Drew-Goodman (cropped).jpg played for the Grizzlies from 2006 to 2013.]]

Going into the 2010–11 season the Grizzlies celebrated the tenth year of basketball in Memphis. The season started with tremendous enthusiasm by the fan base in the Memphis area. Although the Grizzlies and their fans were celebrating the tenth season, the Grizzlies were also cheering for the eighth spot in the Western Conference playoffs. They finished with a 46–36 record. The Grizzlies found their way back into the post-season for the first time in five years in the 2010–11 season after a 101–96 home victory over the Sacramento Kings on April 8, 2011.{{cite web|agency=Associated Press|title=Randolph, Conley lead Grizzlies past Kings 101–96|url=https://sports.yahoo.com/nba/recap?gid=2011040829|work=Yahoo! Sports|date=April 9, 2011|access-date=April 9, 2011|archive-date=April 12, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110412162341/http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/recap?gid=2011040829|url-status=live}} While in the playoff hunt in February 2011, the Grizzlies traded Hasheem Thabeet, DeMarre Carroll, and a protected future first-round pick to the Houston Rockets for Shane Battier, and Ishmael Smith.

The team became known locally and nationally for its "Grit and Grind"-style of basketball which means disruptive defense through high pressure on the ball (they were the team with the most steals per game in 2010–11) and their inside-out offense (they were the highest-scoring team in the paint also). The Grizzlies achieved several firsts in franchise history during the 2011 NBA playoffs. Entering the playoffs as an eighth seed, the team won their first playoff game in franchise history on April 17 with a 101–98 victory on the road against the top-seeded San Antonio Spurs. Memphis then won their first home playoff game when they beat the Spurs 91–88 on April 23.{{cite web|agency=Associated Press|title=Grizzlies pull away from top-seeded Spurs to seize 3–1 series lead|url=http://espn.go.com/nba/recap?id=310425029|publisher=ESPN|date=April 26, 2011|access-date=April 26, 2011|archive-date=April 29, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110429044750/http://espn.go.com/nba/recap?id=310425029|url-status=dead}} Finally, on April 29, the team won their first playoff series when they beat the Spurs in Game 6, 99–91 to win the series 4–2. This was only the fourth time in NBA history that an #8 seed defeated a #1 seed, and only the second time in a best-of-seven series (the first two were in a best-of-five series).{{cite web|title=Grizzlies hold on, win series 4–2 to stun top-seeded Spurs|url=http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/recap?gameId=310429029|publisher=ESPN|date=April 30, 2011|access-date=April 30, 2011|archive-date=November 25, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111125172242/http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/recap?gameId=310429029|url-status=dead}} The Grizzlies' historic season came to an end after the Oklahoma City Thunder defeated them in Game 7 of the Western Conference semifinals.{{cite web|title=Thunder oust Grizzlies as Kevin Durant answers bell with 39-point Game 7|url=http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/recap?gameId=310515025|publisher=ESPN|date=May 16, 2011|access-date=May 16, 2011|archive-date=January 12, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120112135838/http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/recap?gameId=310515025|url-status=dead}}

The team re-signed Marc Gasol and Hamed Haddadi after the 2010–11 season.{{cite web|title=HoopsHype – NBA Salaries – Memphis Grizzlies|url=http://hoopshype.com/salaries/memphis.htm|work=USA Today Sports|date=April 28, 2015|access-date=May 7, 2015|archive-date=January 17, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130117003839/http://hoopshype.com/salaries/memphis.htm|url-status=live}}

File:Marc Gasol Grizzlies.jpg]]

The Grizzlies found their way back into the post-season for the second time in six years in the 2011–12 season after a 103–91 home victory over the New Orleans Hornets on April 18, 2012. They finished the 2011–12 season with a 41–25 record, fourth in the Western Conference. However, they were eliminated in the first round by the Los Angeles Clippers in seven games.

During the 2012 off-season, the Grizzlies drafted Tony Wroten with the 25th overall pick. Their biggest signing in an effort to improve their bench was bringing in Jerryd Bayless. They also acquired Wayne Ellington from the Minnesota Timberwolves in exchange for Dante Cunningham.

On June 11, Michael Heisley reportedly had an agreement in principle to sell the Memphis Grizzlies to communications technology magnate Robert J. Pera, who at 34 had a spot on Forbes' 2012 list of the 10 youngest billionaires in the world.{{cite news| url=https://www.forbes.com/pictures/eimh45lhg/no-10-robert-pera/ | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120310004120/http://www.forbes.com/pictures/eimh45lhg/no-10-robert-pera/ | url-status=dead | archive-date=March 10, 2012 | work=Forbes | first=Brian | last=Solomon | title=No. 10: Robert Pera – In Photos: Youngest Billionaires in the World – Forbes}} The purchase price was in the $350 million range. On August 23, Pera reached an agreement with a group of local partners including J.R. "Pitt" Hyde, Staley Cates, Ed Dobbs, Duncan Williams and Billy Orgel.{{cite web|agency=Associated Press|title=Heisley agrees to sell Grizzlies to billionaire Pera|url=http://www.nba.com/2012/news/06/11/grizzlies-sale.ap/|publisher=NBA Media Ventures, LLC|date=June 11, 2012|access-date=June 11, 2012|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120615222508/http://www.nba.com/2012/news/06/11/grizzlies-sale.ap/|archive-date=June 15, 2012}}{{cite web|last=Stein|first=Marc|title=Deal for Grizzlies reached|url=https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/8038389|publisher=ESPN|date=June 11, 2012|access-date=April 11, 2021|archive-date=April 16, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210416134504/https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/8038389|url-status=live}} On October 25, Robert Pera was officially approved as the owner of the Memphis Grizzlies.{{cite web|title=Grizzlies sale to Robert Pera approved by NBA Board of Governors|url=http://www.nba.com/grizzlies/news/grizzlies_sale_to_robert_pera_approved_121025|publisher=NBA Media Ventures, LLC|website=NBA.com|date=October 25, 2012|access-date=May 7, 2015|archive-date=October 22, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151022214501/http://www.nba.com/grizzlies/news/grizzlies_sale_to_robert_pera_approved_121025|url-status=live}}{{cite web|last=Windhorst|first=Brian|title=Owners approve sale of Grizzlies|url=https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/8550749|publisher=ESPN|date=October 25, 2012|access-date=April 16, 2021|archive-date=April 16, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210416134504/https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/8550749|url-status=live}} On November 4, Pera named Jason Levien the chief executive officer and managing partner of the Memphis Grizzlies.{{cite web|title=Grizzlies name Jason Levien Chief Executive Officer and Managing Partner|url=http://www.nba.com/grizzlies/news/grizzlies_chairman_pera_names_jason_levien_chief_executive_officer_121104|publisher=NBA Media Ventures, LLC|website=NBA.com|date=November 4, 2012|access-date=November 7, 2012|archive-date=February 22, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140222035742/http://www.nba.com/grizzlies/news/grizzlies_chairman_pera_names_jason_levien_chief_executive_officer_121104|url-status=live}} On December 13, 2012, ESPN announced that John Hollinger was hired by the Grizzlies as their new vice president of basketball operations.

On January 23, 2013, the Grizzlies acquired Jon Leuer from the Cleveland Cavaliers in exchange for Marreese Speights, Wayne Ellington, Josh Selby, and a future first-round pick.{{cite web|title=Grizzlies trade Marreese Speights, Josh Selby to Cavaliers|url=http://tracking.si.com/2013/01/22/grizzlies-trade-marreese-speights-josh-selby-to-cavaliers/|access-date=January 31, 2013|archive-date=July 25, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130725203702/http://tracking.si.com/2013/01/22/grizzlies-trade-marreese-speights-josh-selby-to-cavaliers/|url-status=dead}} On January 30, the Grizzlies traded Rudy Gay and Hamed Haddadi to the Toronto Raptors in a three team deal also involving the Detroit Pistons. The Grizzlies acquired Tayshaun Prince and Austin Daye from the Pistons and Ed Davis and a future second-round pick from the Raptors.{{cite web|title=Grizzlies trade Rudy Gay to Raptors in three-team deal with Pistons|date=January 30, 2013 |url=https://sports.yahoo.com/news/nba--grizzlies-trade-rudy-gay-to-raptors-in-three-team-deal-230755012.html|access-date=November 22, 2015|archive-date=March 5, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160305014536/http://sports.yahoo.com/news/nba--grizzlies-trade-rudy-gay-to-raptors-in-three-team-deal-230755012.html|url-status=live}}

At the end of the season, Memphis finished with their best franchise record of 56–26, second in the division and as the fifth seed in the playoffs. Also, Marc Gasol was named NBA Defensive Player of the Year. In the opening round, Memphis defeated the Los Angeles Clippers in six games after trailing in the series 0–2. This avenged their defeat from the previous year at the hands of the Clippers. Memphis then went on to the Western Conference Finals for the first time in franchise history when they defeated the Oklahoma City Thunder 4–1 in their semi-finals series. This was a rematch of their meeting in the 2011 playoffs, which the Thunder won in seven games. However, the Grizzlies' season ended in the Conference Finals as they were swept by the eventual conference champions, San Antonio Spurs in yet another rematch/reversal from the 2011 playoffs.

The Grizzlies struggled to begin the 2013–14 season, starting out at 14–18 with Marc Gasol out, and entered the All-Star break with a win–loss record of 29–23. They went 21–9 after, finishing in third place in the Southwest division and in seventh place in the Western Conference with a win–loss record of 50–32, including a 14-game winning streak at FedExForum. They faced the Oklahoma City Thunder in the playoffs and had a record four straight overtimes from games 2–5, going 3–1 in the overtimes. The Grizzlies fell 4–3, despite an effort by Gasol in Game 7 without Randolph after he was suspended for punching Thunder center Steven Adams in Game 6.

On October 29, 2014, the Grizzlies defeated the Minnesota Timberwolves 105–101 for the franchise's first victory in a season opener since 2000, the year before the team moved to Memphis.{{cite web|last=Bailey|first=Clay|title=Gasol powers Memphis past Minnesota 105-101|url=http://www.nba.com/games/20141029/MINMEM/gameinfo.html|publisher=National Basketball Association|date=October 30, 2014|access-date=May 7, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141221052150/http://www.nba.com/games/20141029/MINMEM/gameinfo.html|archive-date=December 21, 2014|url-status=dead}}

In the 2014–15 season, the Grizzlies made the NBA playoffs as the fifth seed in the Western Conference. In the first round, the Grizzlies defeated the Portland Trail Blazers in five games. Games 4 and 5 were played without Mike Conley Jr., who in Game 3 suffered multiple facial fractures in a collision with Blazers guard CJ McCollum. In the second round, they found themselves facing off against the top-seeded Golden State Warriors and MVP Stephen Curry. The Warriors took Game 1, and Conley returned in Game 2 to lead the Grizzlies to a 108–95 victory. Memphis took a 2–1 series lead before Golden State ultimately dispatched the Grizzlies in six games.

On April 1, 2016, the Grizzlies signed their 28th player for the season, an NBA record.{{Cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/15112183|title=And you are? Griz to set mark with 28th player|website=ESPN.com|date=April 2016|access-date=April 16, 2021|archive-date=April 16, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210416134503/https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/15112183|url-status=live}} On July 6, 2017, the team's management announced that Randolph's number 50 jersey would be retired in the future after he became a free agent,{{cite web|title=Open Letter to Z-Bo & Grizz Nation|url=http://www.nba.com/grizzlies/news/open-letter-to-zbo-grizz-nation-170706|publisher=NBA Media Ventures, LLC|website=NBA.com|access-date=July 11, 2017|date=July 6, 2017|archive-date=July 9, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170709191643/http://www.nba.com/grizzlies/news/open-letter-to-zbo-grizz-nation-170706?|url-status=live}} and eventually signed with the Sacramento Kings.{{cite web|title=Kings Sign Zach Randolph|url=http://www.nba.com/kings/news/kings-sign-zach-randolph|publisher=NBA Media Ventures, LLC|website=NBA.com/Kings|access-date=July 11, 2017|date=July 10, 2017|archive-date=July 16, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170716072649/http://www.nba.com/kings/news/kings-sign-zach-randolph|url-status=live}} Tony Allen also left and signed with the New Orleans Pelicans, closing the door on the "Grit and Grind" era.{{cite web |last1=Mullinax |first1=Joe |title=The Legacy of Grit and Grind |url=https://www.grizzlybearblues.com/2017/9/12/16293852/grit-and-grind-memphis-grizzlies-nba |website=Grizzly Bear Blues |access-date=November 29, 2019 |date=September 12, 2017 |archive-date=July 15, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190715023537/https://www.grizzlybearblues.com/2017/9/12/16293852/grit-and-grind-memphis-grizzlies-nba |url-status=live }}

With the departures of Randolph and Allen, the 2017–18 Grizzlies missed the playoffs for the first time since the 2009–10 season, and tied their longest losing streak in franchise history near the end of the season with 19 straight losses from January 31 to March 17, 2018, while suffering from their worst loss in franchise history during the regular season on March 22, losing to the Charlotte Hornets 140–79, all with their point guard Mike Conley Jr. missing all but 12 games due to injuries. The Grizzlies tried to be competitive again with Conley and others back in the beginning of the 2018–19 season, but were on the outside looking in as the trade deadline approached and they were standing at the 14th seed with a 22–33 record by February 5. The Grizzlies decided to move on from their two franchise players and the last remnants of the "Grit and Grind" era with Marc Gasol getting traded to the Toronto Raptors in exchange for Jonas Valančiūnas, Delon Wright, C. J. Miles, and a 2024 second-round draft pick.{{cite web |title=Memphis Grizzlies acquire Jonas Valanciunas, Delon Wright, C.J. Miles and 2024 second-round draft pick from Toronto Raptors |url=https://www.nba.com/grizzlies/news/memphis-grizzlies-acquire-jonas-valanciunas-delon-wright-cj-miles-and-2024-second-round-draft-pick-from-toronto-raptors-190208 |website=NBA.com |access-date=February 9, 2019 |date=February 8, 2019 |archive-date=February 9, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190209131625/https://www.nba.com/grizzlies/news/memphis-grizzlies-acquire-jonas-valanciunas-delon-wright-cj-miles-and-2024-second-round-draft-pick-from-toronto-raptors-190208 |url-status=live }} After the season, on July 6, Mike Conley Jr. was traded to the Utah Jazz in exchange for Grayson Allen, Kyle Korver, Jae Crowder and the 23rd pick of the 2019 NBA draft.{{Cite web|url=https://www.grizzlybearblues.com/2019/6/19/18691577/memphis-grizzlies-trade-mike-conley-to-the-utah-jazz-nba-trade-news|title=Memphis Grizzlies trade Mike Conley to the Utah Jazz|last=Mullinax|first=Joe|date=June 19, 2019|website=Grizzly Bear Blues|access-date=July 15, 2019|archive-date=June 21, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190621013325/https://www.grizzlybearblues.com/2019/6/19/18691577/memphis-grizzlies-trade-mike-conley-to-the-utah-jazz-nba-trade-news|url-status=live}}

{{Overly detailed|section|details=|date=May 2023}}

File:Ja Morant (51664923611).jpg has played for the team since 2019.]]

After the end of the 2018–19 season, controlling owner Robert Pera announced a restructuring of the Grizzlies' basketball operations department: "In order to put our team on the path to sustainable success, it was necessary to change our approach to basketball operations".{{Cite web|url=https://www.nba.com/grizzlies/news/memphis-grizzlies-announce-restructuring-of-basketball-operations-department-190411|title=Memphis Grizzlies announce restructuring of basketball operations department|website=NBA.com|access-date=July 15, 2019|archive-date=October 3, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201003092343/https://www.nba.com/grizzlies/news/memphis-grizzlies-announce-restructuring-of-basketball-operations-department-190411|url-status=live}} J. B. Bickerstaff was relieved from his duties as head coach and general manager Chris Wallace was reallocated to a role exclusively in player scouting. Jason Wexler was announced as team president and Zachary Kleiman was promoted to general manager and EVP of basketball operations.{{Cite web|url=https://dailymemphian.com/article/4453/Grizzlies-QA-Wexler-and-Kleiman-discuss-the-teams-evolving-leadership|title=Grizzlies Q&A: Wexler and Kleiman discuss the team's evolving leadership|website=The Daily Memphian|access-date=July 15, 2019|archive-date=July 15, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190715023535/https://dailymemphian.com/article/4453/Grizzlies-QA-Wexler-and-Kleiman-discuss-the-teams-evolving-leadership|url-status=live}}

On June 12, 2019, the Grizzlies announced Taylor Jenkins as the team's new head coach.{{Cite web|url=https://www.nba.com/grizzlies/news/memphis-grizzlies-name-taylor-jenkins-head-coach-190611|title=Memphis Grizzlies name Taylor Jenkins head coach|website=NBA.com|access-date=July 15, 2019|archive-date=November 8, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201108001141/https://www.nba.com/grizzlies/news/memphis-grizzlies-name-taylor-jenkins-head-coach-190611|url-status=live}}

With the second pick in the 2019 NBA draft, the Grizzlies selected Ja Morant.{{Cite web|url=https://www.nba.com/grizzlies/news/grizzlies-select-ja-morant-with-second-overall-pick-in-2019-nba-draft-190621|title=Grizzlies select Ja Morant with second overall pick in 2019 NBA Draft|website=NBA.com|access-date=July 15, 2019|archive-date=November 29, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201129113151/https://www.nba.com/grizzlies/news/grizzlies-select-ja-morant-with-second-overall-pick-in-2019-nba-draft-190621|url-status=live}} Additionally, they received Brandon Clarke after he was selected by the Oklahoma City Thunder with the 21st pick, and then immediately traded to the Grizzlies for the 23rd pick (via the Utah Jazz) and the Grizzlies' 2024 second-round pick.{{Cite web|url=https://okcthunderwire.usatoday.com/2019/06/20/thunder-select-brandon-clarke-at-no-21-trade-to-grizzlies-for-no-23/|title=Thunder select Brandon Clarke at No. 21, trade to Grizzlies for No. 23|date=June 21, 2019|website=OKC Thunder Wire|access-date=July 15, 2019|archive-date=July 15, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190715023534/https://okcthunderwire.usatoday.com/2019/06/20/thunder-select-brandon-clarke-at-no-21-trade-to-grizzlies-for-no-23/|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.slipperstillfits.com/2019/6/20/18692030/2019-nba-draft-brandon-clarke|title=2019 NBA Draft: OKC takes Brandon Clarke with No. 21 pick, trades to Memphis|last=Woodburn|first=Peter|date=June 20, 2019|website=The Slipper Still Fits|access-date=July 15, 2019|archive-date=July 15, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190715023534/https://www.slipperstillfits.com/2019/6/20/18692030/2019-nba-draft-brandon-clarke|url-status=live}} The Grizzlies rebuilt their roster with a young core consisting of Morant, Clarke, Allen, Dillon Brooks, and Jaren Jackson Jr.

Following the suspension of the 2019–20 NBA season, the Grizzlies were one of the 22 teams invited to the NBA Bubble to participate in the final eight games of the regular season.{{cite web |title=NBA Board of Governors approves competitive format to restart 2019-20 season with 22 teams returning to play |url=https://www.nba.com/news/board-of-governors-approves-nba-return-official-release |website=NBA.com |access-date=March 4, 2021 |date=June 4, 2020 |archive-date=October 22, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211022021825/https://www.nba.com/news/board-of-governors-approves-nba-return-official-release |url-status=live }} They finished in ninth place in the Western Conference and had a chance to make it to the 2020 NBA playoffs, needing to win two games against the Portland Trail Blazers to advance. In the first and only play-in game, the Trail Blazers defeated the Grizzlies 126–122. At the conclusion of the season, Morant, who averaged 17.8 points and 7.3 assists per game, was named the NBA Rookie of the Year, earning 99 out of 100 first place votes on the ballot.{{Cite web |last=Reynolds |first=Tim |date=September 3, 2020 |title=Grizzlies' Ja Morant wins NBA Rookie of the Year Award |url=https://apnews.com/article/sports-memphis-grizzlies-la-state-wire-basketball-nba-1f9601f7d611cefcfbc6a64d7b5f5fb7 |access-date=April 1, 2022 |website=AP News |archive-date=April 1, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220401050813/https://apnews.com/article/sports-memphis-grizzlies-la-state-wire-basketball-nba-1f9601f7d611cefcfbc6a64d7b5f5fb7 |url-status=live }} Morant and teammate Brandon Clarke were also named to the 2019–20 NBA All-Rookie First Team.{{Cite web |date=September 15, 2020 |title=Ja Morant, Zion Williamsom headline 2019-20 Kia All-Rookie First Team |url=https://www.nba.com/news/nba-2019-20-all-rookie-first-team-official-release |website=NBA.com |access-date=April 1, 2022 |archive-date=June 4, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220604171942/https://www.nba.com/news/nba-2019-20-all-rookie-first-team-official-release |url-status=live }}

The Grizzlies finished the COVID-shortened 2020–21 NBA season with a 38–34 record, earning them the ninth best record in the Western Conference and a chance to make the NBA playoffs through the play-in tournament by winning two games in a row. The Grizzlies did so with a 100–96 victory over the 10th-place San Antonio Spurs, at home on May 19, 2021{{Cite web |last=Walker |first=Teresa M. |date=May 20, 2021 |title=Grizzlies hold off Spurs, stay alive for No. 8 seed |url=https://www.nba.com/game/sas-vs-mem-0052000131 |access-date=April 1, 2022 |website=NBA.com |archive-date=April 1, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220401050631/https://www.nba.com/game/sas-vs-mem-0052000131 |url-status=live }} followed by a 117–112 victory over the 8th-place Golden State Warriors in San Francisco on May 21, 2021, to claim the Western Conference's 8th seed behind 35 points from Morant.{{Cite web |last=Powell |first=Shaun |date=May 22, 2021 |title=Morant, Grizzlies send Warriors into uncertain future |url=https://www.nba.com/news/morant-grizzlies-send-warriors-into-uncertain-future |access-date=April 1, 2022 |website=NBA.com |archive-date=April 1, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220401104758/https://www.nba.com/news/morant-grizzlies-send-warriors-into-uncertain-future |url-status=live }} The Grizzlies' first-round match-up pitted them against the Utah Jazz, who boasted the top record in the league. The Grizzlies upset the Jazz in Salt Lake City with a 112–109 victory in Game 1 but went on to lose the series in five games.{{Cite magazine |date=May 24, 2021 |title=Grizzlies Upset No. 1 Seed Jazz in Playoff Series Opener |url=https://www.si.com/nba/2021/05/24/grizzlies-beat-jazz-no-1-seed-dillon-brooks |access-date=April 1, 2022 |magazine=Sports Illustrated |archive-date=April 1, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220401050812/https://www.si.com/nba/2021/05/24/grizzlies-beat-jazz-no-1-seed-dillon-brooks |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |last=Coles |first=Matthew |date=June 3, 2021 |title=Jazz advance to 2nd round, beating Grizzlies in Game 5 |url=https://apnews.com/article/los-angeles-clippers-memphis-grizzlies-dallas-mavericks-utah-jazz-nba-23c6817b183e9aba8138000e5fa57184 |access-date=April 1, 2022 |website=AP News |archive-date=April 1, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220401050632/https://apnews.com/article/los-angeles-clippers-memphis-grizzlies-dallas-mavericks-utah-jazz-nba-23c6817b183e9aba8138000e5fa57184 |url-status=live }} Rookie wing Desmond Bane, acquired by Memphis with the 30th overall pick in the 2020 NBA draft, was selected to the 2020–21 NBA All-Rookie Second Team for his campaign that season.{{Cite web |date=June 17, 2021 |title=Desmond Bane selected to NBA All-Rookie Second Team |url=https://www.nba.com/grizzlies/news/desmond-bane-selected-to-nba-all-rookie-second-team-210617 |access-date=April 1, 2022 |website=NBA.com |archive-date=September 26, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210926022436/https://www.nba.com/grizzlies/news/desmond-bane-selected-to-nba-all-rookie-second-team-210617 |url-status=live }}

The Grizzlies saw greater success in the following 2021–22 NBA season. By the All-Star break, the Grizzlies had recorded a record of 41–19, good for 3rd place in the West.{{Cite web |last=Ward-Henninger |first=Colin |date=February 20, 2022 |title=2022 NBA All-Star Game: Ja Morant puts Dunk Contest to shame with two absurd alley-oop slams in first half |url=https://www.cbssports.com/nba/news/2022-nba-all-star-game-ja-morant-puts-dunk-contest-to-shame-with-two-absurd-alley-oop-slams-in-first-half/ |access-date=April 1, 2022 |website=CBS Sports |archive-date=April 1, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220401050631/https://www.cbssports.com/nba/news/2022-nba-all-star-game-ja-morant-puts-dunk-contest-to-shame-with-two-absurd-alley-oop-slams-in-first-half/ |url-status=live }} On March 30, 2022, the Grizzlies clinched their first division title in franchise history and the Western Conference's second seed, their highest ever seeding placement, when they defeated the San Antonio Spurs.{{Cite web |date=March 30, 2022 |title=Postgame Report: Grizzlies fend off Spurs, clinch first division title in franchise history |url=https://www.nba.com/grizzlies/news/postgame/sas-220330 |access-date=March 31, 2022 |website=NBA.com. |archive-date=March 31, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220331180703/https://www.nba.com/grizzlies/news/postgame/sas-220330 |url-status=live }} The Grizzlies finished the regular season with a record of 56–26.{{Cite magazine |last=Wood |first=Kyle |date=April 11, 2022 |title=NBA Power Rankings: Where Things Stand Before Play-In, Playoffs |url=https://www.si.com/nba/2022/04/11/nba-power-rankings-play-in-playoffs-suns-grizzlies-heat-nets |access-date=April 13, 2022 |magazine=Sports Illustrated |archive-date=April 12, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220412183137/https://www.si.com/nba/2022/04/11/nba-power-rankings-play-in-playoffs-suns-grizzlies-heat-nets |url-status=live }} They would go on to defeat Minnesota in the first round before losing to the Golden State Warriors in the second in 6 game.

The 2022–23 NBA season saw the Grizzlies finish 51–31, setting them up with the second seed in the West. Jaren Jackson Jr. was named an All Star for the first time and was also named the NBA Defensive Player of the Year during the season. After a season plagued by injuries and off the court issues, Memphis marched into the playoffs that saw them matched up against the Lakers. The Grizzlies would lose first round series against the seventh seed Los Angeles Lakers (2–4).

In the off-season, the Grizzlies signed veteran and former MVP Derrick Rose and acquired Josh Christopher in a trade for Dillon Brooks. They started the 2023–24 NBA season off with zero wins and six losses, their worst start since the 2002–03 season. After being suspended for 25 games, Morant returned and hit the game winning buzzer beater in his first game back. After nine games back, Morant got injured and was declared to miss the rest of the season. Additionally, Marcus Smart only appeared in 20 games this season, similar to how Derrick Rose only played in 24 games including 7 starts, as the Grizzlies wrapped up an injury riddled season with a record of 27–55, setting a record for the most players used in a season.{{Cite web |title=MikeCheck: With injury-riddled season behind, Grizzlies poised for healthy offseason reset |url=https://www.nba.com/grizzlies/news/mikecheck-with-injury-riddled-season-behind-grizzlies-poised-for-healthy-offseason-reset |access-date=April 16, 2024 |website=www.nba.com |language=en}}

List of the last five seasons completed by the Grizzlies. For the full season-by-season history, see list of Memphis Grizzlies seasons.

Note: GP = Games played, W = Wins, L = Losses, W–L% = Winning percentage

Upon their arrival in Memphis, the Grizzlies retained the same uniforms they wore in their final season in Vancouver, but with the city name emblazoned on both the white and black uniform. Turquoise and red served as the accent colors. After one season, the Grizzlies made a minor tweak, replacing the "G-bear" logo with the "howling bear" logo on the right leg. The "ball and claws" logo was also added above the player's name.

Coinciding with the move from the Pyramid to FedExForum in 2004, the Grizzlies released a new uniform design featuring navy blue, Beale Street blue, smoke blue, and gold. It also brought back the team name on the home uniform. The letters and numbers employed a distinct split-letter style reminiscent of the Toronto Blue Jays and Cleveland Cavaliers' 1990s uniforms. The logo also changed from a "howling bear" to a more stoic bear head.{{cite news|title=Grizzlies Unveil New Team Logo and Colors|url=https://www.nba.com/grizzlies/news/release-040524-logo.html|publisher=NBA Media Ventures, LLC|website=Grizzlies.com|date=May 24, 2004|access-date=November 7, 2023|archive-date=November 11, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231111180959/https://www.nba.com/grizzlies/news/release-040524-logo.html|url-status=live}}{{cite news|title=Memphis Grizzlies Unveil New Uniforms, Logo and Merchandise|url=https://www.nba.com/grizzlies/news/jersey_release_040617.html|publisher=NBA Media Ventures, LLC|website=Grizzlies.com|date=June 16, 2004|access-date=November 7, 2023|archive-date=November 7, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231107030138/https://www.nba.com/grizzlies/news/jersey_release_040617.html|url-status=live}} As a result of their logo change, the Grizzlies are currently one of nine NBA teams without a basketball on their logo, along with the Bulls, the Cavaliers, the Bucks, the Hawks, the Trail Blazers, the Warriors, the Rockets, and the Spurs.

In 2009, the Grizzlies released an alternate uniform with Beale Street blue as the base color. Unlike the primary uniforms, this design featured the city name and player's name arranged in a straight alignment; the primaries had a radially arched alignment.

When the Grizzlies switched to Adidas' Revolution 30 system in 2010, the numbers changed from a split-letter style to a bolder, single-color style, presumably due to the difficulty of producing such design. In 2017, the Grizzlies wore a black sleeved uniform as a tribute to Martin Luther King Jr.

After switching to Nike in 2017, the Grizzlies made minimal changes to their uniforms, with the exception of the Beale Street alternates now featuring the player's name below the number. However, the following season, the Grizzlies drastically changed their uniforms. The white "Association" and navy blue "Icon" uniform featured player names below the number and straight alignment for the city name and team name respectively. Both uniforms featured three alternating lines on the beltline, which spelled "MEM", the primary logo on the left leg, and asymmetrical striping. On the Beale Street blue "Statement" uniform, player names were placed above the number, and the team name was arranged in a radial arch. The primary logo is on the beltline and on the left leg while the aforementioned alternating "MEM" lines surround the logo. In 2022, the "Statement" uniform was modified, featuring the full team name ("Memphis" in gold, "Grizzlies" in navy/smoke/navy split letters) in front, the primary logo on the right leg, and "MEM" lines on the striping and beltline.

As part of the Nike contract, the Grizzlies also wore a fourth uniform, the "City" uniform. The original "City" uniform had a white base and featured lettering based on the "I am a Man" protest banners from the Memphis sanitation strike of 1968. The 2018–19 "City" uniform, which featured a grey base and gold letters, paid tribute to professional wrestling in Memphis. The Grizzlies did not wear a "City" uniform for the 2019–20 season, opting for the throwback Vancouver Grizzlies uniforms instead. In the 2020–21 season, the Grizzlies returned to wearing "City" uniforms, this time with a black base, metallic gold lettering and turquoise trim as a tribute to Isaac Hayes and Stax Records. In the 2021–22 season, the Grizzlies wore a commemorative "City" uniform featuring a mix of styles used by the team. The midnight-based uniform featured elements from the Vancouver era as well as the "Grit and Grind" and modern eras. Then for the 2022–23 "City" uniform, the Grizzlies wore black uniforms with Beale Street blue, chrome and gold accents in homage to the Memphis rap genre. The "City" uniform for the 2023–24 season, according to the team, "represents the pure simple joy of growing up playing basketball on local courts dreaming of representing your hometown team". The black-based uniform features the "MEM" lines in white with gold numbers. The "City" uniform used in the 2024–25 season celebrated the 50th anniversary of the rebranding of Memphis' former ABA team, the Memphis Sounds, using a red base, Beale Street blue and gold accents, and a throwback "Memphis" wordmark in homage to the Sounds' logo.

File:FedExForum 2015.jpg]]

• General Motors (GM) Place (1995–2001)
• Pyramid Arena (2001–2004)
• FedExForum (2004–present)

{{Main|Memphis Grizzlies all-time roster}}

{{Memphis Grizzlies roster}}

The Grizzlies hold the draft rights to the following unsigned draft picks who have been playing outside the NBA. A drafted player, either an international draftee or a college draftee who is not signed by the team that drafted him, is allowed to sign with any non-NBA teams. In this case, the team retains the player's draft rights in the NBA until one year after the player's contract with the non-NBA team ends.{{cite web|url=http://www.cbafaq.com/salarycap.htm|title=NBA Salary Cap FAQ – 2011 Collective Bargaining Agreement|quote=If the player is already under contract to, or signs a contract with a non-NBA team, the team retains the player's draft rights for one year after the player's obligation to the non-NBA team ends. Essentially, the clock stops as long as the player plays pro ball outside the NBA.|first=Larry|last=Coon|author-link=Larry Coon|access-date=April 13, 2014|archive-date=May 27, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150527075033/http://www.cbafaq.com/salarycap.htm|url-status=live}} This list includes draft rights that were acquired from trades with other teams.

The Grizzlies originally planned to retire Tony Allen's no. 9 jersey on January 28, 2022.{{cite web |title=Memphis Grizzlies to retire Zach Randolph and Tony Allen jerseys |url=https://www.nba.com/news/memphis-grizzlies-to-retire-zach-randolph-and-tony-allen-jerseys |website=NBA.com |access-date=September 6, 2021 |date=September 1, 2021 |archive-date=May 11, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220511103913/https://www.nba.com/news/memphis-grizzlies-to-retire-zach-randolph-and-tony-allen-jerseys |url-status=live }} However, in November 2021, the ceremony was postponed at the request of Allen.{{cite web |last1=Feldman |first1=Dan |title=Tony Allen asks Grizzlies to postpone jersey retirement |url=https://nba.nbcsports.com/2021/11/26/tony-allen-asks-grizzlies-to-postpone-jersey-retirement/ |website=NBC Sports |access-date=December 13, 2021 |date=November 26, 2021 |archive-date=December 13, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211213210759/https://nba.nbcsports.com/2021/11/26/tony-allen-asks-grizzlies-to-postpone-jersey-retirement/ |url-status=live }} In September 2024, it was announced that the ceremony would go ahead on March 15, 2025.{{Cite web |title=Grizzlies to retire Tony Allen's No. 9 |url=https://www.nba.com/grizzlies/news/grizzlies-to-retire-tony-allens-no-9 |access-date=2024-09-26 |website=www.nba.com |language=en}}

After trading Mike Conley Jr., the team announced they would retire Conley Jr.'s no. 11 jersey.{{cite web |title=Memphis Grizzlies release statement on Mike Conley from owner Robert J. Pera |url=https://www.nba.com/grizzlies/news/memphis-grizzlies-release-statement-on-mike-conley-from-owner-robert-j-pera-190706 |website=NBA.com |access-date=May 2, 2021 |date=July 6, 2019 |archive-date=May 15, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220515073454/https://www.nba.com/grizzlies/news/memphis-grizzlies-release-statement-on-mike-conley-from-owner-robert-j-pera-190706 |url-status=live }}

The NBA retired Bill Russell's no. 6 for all its member teams on August 11, 2022.{{cite web |title=Bill Russell's No. 6 jersey to be retired throughout NBA |url=https://www.nba.com/news/bill-russells-no-6-jersey-to-be-retired-throughout-nba |website=NBA.com |access-date=August 24, 2022 |date=August 11, 2022 |archive-date=August 17, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220817080803/https://www.nba.com/news/bill-russells-no-6-jersey-to-be-retired-throughout-nba |url-status=live }}{{cite news |last1=Golliver |first1=Ben |title=NBA permanently retires Bill Russell's No. 6 |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/2022/08/11/bill-russell-nba-jersey-retirement/ |newspaper=Washington Post |access-date=August 24, 2022 |date=August 11, 2022 |archive-date=November 7, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221107143239/https://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/2022/08/11/bill-russell-nba-jersey-retirement/ |url-status=live }}

{{Main|Memphis Grizzlies accomplishments and records}}

The Grizzlies appear on television on the pay-TV channel FanDuel Sports Network Southeast, owned and operated by FanDuel Sports Network. The TV broadcast crew is play-by-play announcer Pete Pranica, analyst Brevin Knight and sideline reporter Rob Fischer. Since the 2024–25 season, 5 games are simulcast over-the-air on Gray Media owned WMC-TV, WSMV-TV and WBXX-TV.{{Cite web |title=Memphis Grizzlies and Gray Media to broadcast five games in Memphis, Nashville and Knoxville |url=https://www.nba.com/grizzlies/news/memphis-grizzlies-and-gray-media-to-broadcast-five-games-in-memphis-nashville-and-knoxville |access-date=February 27, 2025 |date=February 27, 2025|work=Memphis Grizzlies}}

On radio, the Grizzlies are heard on their flagship station WMFS-FM "ESPN 92.9". The radio broadcast crew is play-by-play announcer Eric Hasseltine, and analysts Hank McDowell and Elliot Perry.

{{Main|List of Memphis Grizzlies head coaches}}

Grizz is the official mascot of the Memphis Grizzlies. He was first introduced in 1995 when the team was in Vancouver, British Columbia.{{cite web|title=About Grizz|url=http://www.nba.com/grizzlies/mascot/about_grizz.html|publisher=NBA Media Ventures, LLC|website=NBA.com|date=May 7, 2015|access-date=May 7, 2015|archive-date=January 18, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120118014356/http://www.nba.com/grizzlies/mascot/about_grizz.html|url-status=live}} Grizz was named 2011 NBA Mascot of the Year.{{cite news|title=Memphis' 'Grizz' named 2011 NBA Mascot of the Year|url=http://www.commercialappeal.com/news/grizz-named-2011-nba-mascot-year|newspaper=The Commercial Appeal|date=August 31, 2011|access-date=May 7, 2015|archive-date=May 18, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150518065611/http://www.commercialappeal.com/news/grizz-named-2011-nba-mascot-year|url-status=live}}{{cite web|title=NBA Mascot of the Year: 'Grizz' of the Memphis Grizzlies|url=http://www.slamonline.com/online/nba/2011/09/nba-mascot-of-the-year-grizz-of-the-memphis-grizzlies/|work=SLAM Online|date=September 1, 2011|access-date=October 4, 2012|archive-date=May 13, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130513152612/http://www.slamonline.com/online/nba/2011/09/nba-mascot-of-the-year-grizz-of-the-memphis-grizzlies/|url-status=live}}

In 2007, the performer playing Grizz was diagnosed with cancer. As a show of support, the Grizzlies chose not to have Grizz appear until he recovered. During this period, mascots from other teams performed at Grizzlies home games in Grizz's place. The franchise also launched a program called "Friends of Grizz", with donations and proceedings going to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.{{Cite news |title=Return of the Grizz |work=Yahoo Sports |url=https://sports.yahoo.com/nba/blog/ball_dont_lie/post/Return-of-the-Grizz?urn=nba,117167 |access-date=June 22, 2017 |archive-date=September 15, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170915161438/https://sports.yahoo.com/nba/blog/ball_dont_lie/post/Return-of-the-Grizz?urn=nba,117167 |url-status=live }}

Growl Towels are the Grizzlies' trademark gold rally towels given to fans at every home playoff game. Originally white, they made their debut in 2004 in the third and fourth games of the franchise's first ever playoff series. They switched to gold when the Grizzlies changed their team colors for the 2004–2005 season. Since 2013, Growl Towels have rotated various popular team slogans such as "Grit & Grind", "All Heart", or "Ain't No Runnin' in the M", and each towel identifies the playoff year, round and game number it was released. They became notable across the league during Memphis' seven consecutive playoff runs starting in 2011.{{Cite web |last=GraceBaker |date=April 19, 2015 |title=Top 5 Things About Going To A Grizz Playoff Game |url=https://www.grizzlybearblues.com/2015/4/19/8436831/2015-nba-playoffs-memphis-grizzlies-top-5-things-grindhouse-growl-towel |access-date=May 4, 2022 |website=Grizzly Bear Blues |language=en |archive-date=September 30, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220930124153/https://www.grizzlybearblues.com/2015/4/19/8436831/2015-nba-playoffs-memphis-grizzlies-top-5-things-grindhouse-growl-towel |url-status=live }} During their 2013 run to the Western Conference Finals, the Grizzlies printed over 100,000 towels.{{Cite web |title=Roughly 100,000 growl towels printed for playoffs |url=https://www.actionnews5.com/story/22276368/roughly-100000-growl-towels-printed-for-playoffs |access-date=May 4, 2022 |website=actionnews5.com |date=May 17, 2013 |language=en |archive-date=October 7, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221007093900/https://www.actionnews5.com/story/22276368/roughly-100000-growl-towels-printed-for-playoffs/ |url-status=live }}

The popular song by Memphis rapper Al Kapone from the locally filmed Hustle & Flow has become a standard during Grizzlies games since erupting as a spontaneous chant among fans during the 2013 playoff series against the Los Angeles Clippers.{{Cite web |date=April 29, 2022 |title=Here's how "Whoop That Trick" got its place in Memphis history |url=https://www.localmemphis.com/article/sports/nba/memphis-grizzlies/al-kapone-whoop-that-trick-memphis-tennessee-grizzlies-anthem/522-bcc959fb-0dce-409b-bbac-4b13cefaae25 |access-date=May 4, 2022 |website=localmemphis.com |language=en-US |archive-date=April 30, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220430002816/https://www.localmemphis.com/article/sports/nba/memphis-grizzlies/al-kapone-whoop-that-trick-memphis-tennessee-grizzlies-anthem/522-bcc959fb-0dce-409b-bbac-4b13cefaae25 |url-status=live }}

{{More citations needed section|date=April 2023}}

Despite being one of the youngest squads in the NBA, the Grizzlies are rivals with the Los Angeles Clippers, since the 2011–12 season, when the Clippers eliminated the Grizzlies in seven games in the first round of the 2012 NBA playoffs. The Grizzlies returned the favor in the 2012–13 season, eliminating the Clippers in six games in the first round of the 2013 NBA playoffs. There have also been violent scuffles between the players, mainly between the Grizzlies Zach Randolph and the Clippers Blake Griffin. The Grizzlies are also the first team to draw an ejection on Clippers guard Chris Paul after he elbowed Marc Gasol in the ribs in the closing minutes of Game 6.{{cite news|last=Devine|first=Dan|title=Zach Randolph, Blake Griffin wrestle, Chris Paul ejected as Grizzlies oust Clippers|url=https://sports.yahoo.com/blogs/nba-ball-dont-lie/zach-randolph-blake-griffin-wrestle-z-bo-chris-063829186.html|access-date=November 22, 2015|archive-date=November 18, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151118023742/http://sports.yahoo.com/blogs/nba-ball-dont-lie/zach-randolph-blake-griffin-wrestle-z-bo-chris-063829186.html|url-status=live}} When asked about a rivalry with the Los Angeles Lakers, Clippers center DeAndre Jordan stated, "I don't think it'll ever be a rivalry. You guys [in the media] want it to be, though. I would say Memphis more than the Lakers. I hate every other NBA team in the league. If anybody [is our rival], I'd say Memphis."{{cite news|last=Turner|first=Broderick|title=DeAndre Jordan says Clippers-Lakers isn't a rivalry|url=https://www.latimes.com/sports/lakers/la-sp-clippers-fyi-20131029-story.html|work=Los Angeles Times|date=October 28, 2013|access-date=October 29, 2013|archive-date=November 9, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131109055158/http://articles.latimes.com/2013/oct/28/sports/la-sp-clippers-fyi-20131029|url-status=live}} Although the two teams never met in the 2014 playoffs, they still engaged in close, heated matchups in the 2014–15 season. In a Grizzlies home game against the Clippers, the crowd was given flip-flop sandals designating Clippers players as "floppers". Clippers leads all time meeting 52–49.

The Grizzlies also have a rivalry brewing with the Oklahoma City Thunder, dating back to when the teams were based in Vancouver and Seattle, respectively. The squads have faced each other in the playoffs in 2011, 2013, and 2014, with the Thunder beating the Grizzlies in the conference semifinals in 2011 and in the conference quarterfinals in 2014, both in seven games. The Grizzlies handled the Thunder in five games during the conference semifinals in 2013 before getting beaten by the San Antonio Spurs in the conference finals that same year. Thunder leads all time meeting 66–35.

The Grizzlies' rivalry with the San Antonio Spurs goes way back in 2004 when the Spurs swept the Grizzlies in the first round. Seven years later, they would meet again in the 2011 NBA playoffs. The Grizzlies upset the Spurs in six games, which made it the fourth time ever an 8th seed beat a first seed in the playoffs. They would then meet again in the conference finals in 2013, where the Spurs once again swept the Grizzlies to go to the NBA Finals. The Grizzlies got swept again by the Spurs in 2016 due to a multitude of injuries suffered during the season. They met again the following year, where the Grizzlies lost in six games. The Grizzlies got payback on the Spurs in the 2021, play-in tournament by the score of 100–96.{{Cite web |title=San Antonio Spurs vs Memphis Grizzlies May 19, 2021 Game Summary {{!}} NBA.com |url=https://www.nba.com/game/0052000131 |access-date=March 9, 2023 |website=www.nba.com |archive-date=January 24, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230124022012/https://www.nba.com/game/0052000131 |url-status=live }} Spurs leads all time meeting 74–35.

{{reflist}}

{{commons category|Memphis Grizzlies}}

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