History of the Memphis Grizzlies

00s - Gasol Handoff

The Grizzlies franchise began in 1995 as an expansion team located in Vancouver. They later relocated to Memphis in 2001. They made their first playoffs two years later under a young Pau Gasol. That success continued for the next couple of years before trading Pau to the Lakers for youth and to get rid of his big contract. Marc Gasol, his younger brother, replaced him the next year and began one of the cornerpieces to their next core.

10s - Grit and Grind

After acquiring Mike Conely, Zach Randolph, Rudy Gay, and Tony Allen, the franchise’s culture began to get noticed. They were known for their hustle and hard work and got the nickname “Grit and Grind”. In 2011 they made the Western Conference semifinals as an 8 seed and in 2013 made the Western Conference finals as a 5 seed. They were never to be underestimated come playoff time.