History of the Memphis Grizzlies
When the Vancouver Grizzlies and the Toronto Raptors joined the NBA as expansion teams in 1995, it wasn’t clear how they would fare in the league. The Grizzlies were the less successful of the two franchises during their time in Vancouver. But in 2001, they moved to Memphis, Tennessee, and underwent a major rebranding. The team colors changed to navy, light blue, and gold, and a new logo featuring a growling grizzly bear was introduced.
The Grizzlies struggled for a few seasons after the move, but in 2011, they made it to the playoffs for the first time since the relocation. They went on to make the playoffs seven years in a row Additionally, they made a trip to the Western Conference Finals in 2013, where they were swept by the San Antonio Spurs.
Over the years, the Grizzlies have had a few notable players on their roster. Pau Gasol, who was drafted by the team in 2001, played for the Grizzlies for six seasons. In addition, he was named to the All-Star team twice. Zach Randolph, who joined the team in 2009, was a key player during their playoff runs. Also, he was named to the All-NBA Third Team in 2011. Finally, Mike Conley, who played for the Grizzlies from 2007 to 2019, was a steady presence as point guard and was also named to the All-NBA Third Team in 2013.
Recent Years
In recent years, the Grizzlies have undergone a rebuilding process. They traded away Randolph and Gasol, and Conley was traded to the Utah Jazz in 2019. However, the team has found success with young players like Ja Morant. Morant was drafted second overall in 2019 and was named the NBA Rookie of the Year in 2020.
The Grizzlies have made it to the playoffs twice in recent seasons, including a trip to the play-in tournament in 2021. They have a promising young core, with young players leading the way. The team is also known for its strong culture and work ethic, which has helped them exceed expectations in the past.
Overall, the Grizzlies have had their ups and downs, but they have become a respected franchise in the NBA. With a talented young core and a commitment to building a winning culture, the Grizzlies look poised. In the end, they are sure to make a splash in the league for years to come.
* All odds provided by Action247 Sportsbook and all odds subject to change.