Memphis Grizzlies
The Memphis Grizzlies are a National Basketball Association team based in Memphis, Tennessee. The current head coach is Hubie Brown; the team is owned by Michael Heisley.
- Founded: 1995
- Formerly known as: Vancouver Grizzlies 1995-2001
- Home Arena: FedExForum, 2004-
- Former Arenas: General Motors Place, Vancouver, 1995-2001 and Memphis Pyramid, 2001-2004.
- Uniform colors: Black, Turquoise blue, White, and Red
- Logo design: A blue bear's head, with "MEMPHIS GRIZZLIES" below it in stylized block letters.
- NBA Championships:
Franchise history
The Vancouver Grizzlies began NBA play in 1995 along with the Toronto Raptors. Both teams were symbols of the NBA's growth, and were the first NBA teams to play in Canada, since 1946-47's Toronto Huskies. The Grizzlies were initially composed of players taken from other teams via an expansion draft, and were joined by the Grizzlies first draft pick: Bryant Reeves. The first season for the Grizzlies was typical for an expansion team, and the team finished with the worst record in the NBA. In 1996, the Grizzlies would get their highest draft pick to date, taking Shareef Abdur-Rahim with the 3rd pick in the draft. Despite his solid play, the Grizzlies continued to struggle, again having the worst record in the NBA.
In 1997, the Grizzlies would take Antonio Daniels with the 4th pick and saw some improvement as they finished in 6th place. However 1998 would bring the Grizzlies back to last place, despite excellent play by rookie guard Mike Bibby. In the strike-shortened season, the Grizzlies would only win 8 games.
After the NBA lockout, the attendance numbers at Grizzlies games began to drop, and the team began losing money. Ownership of the team was transferred a few times, but nothing could stem the tide. The fact that the Grizzlies were not competitive didn't help matters. In 2001, despite earlier promises from owner Michael Heisley to remain in Vancouver, he moved the franchise to Memphis, ending Vancouver's six-year experiment with professional basketball. Many people believe that Michael Heisley had purchased the team with the sole intent to move the franchise.
The team relocated to Memphis for the 2001-2002 season. The team name Jerry West as general manager of the team in 2002. During the 2002-03 season Hubie Brown was named coach of the Memphis Grizzlies, and won the NBA Coach of the Year Award. The team made the NBA playoffs for the first time in the spring of 2004.
Players of note
None yet.
Not to be forgotten:
