The Memphis Grizzlies are a professional basketball team competing in the National Basketball Association (NBA) as a member of the Southwest Division in the Western Conference. Based in Memphis, Tennessee, they play their home games at FedExForum
The Memphis Grizzlies, founded in 1995, have built a rich legacy spanning their time in Vancouver (1995-2001) and Memphis (2001-present). Here are their key achievements and honors:
Individual Awards
- NBA Rookie of the Year: Pau Gasol (2002), Ja Morant (2020)
- NBA Defensive Player of the Year: Marc Gasol (2013), Jaren Jackson Jr. (2023)
- NBA Coach of the Year: Hubie Brown (2004)
- NBA Executive of the Year: Jerry West (2004), Zach Kleiman (2022)
- NBA Sixth Man of the Year: Mike Miller (2006)
- NBA Most Improved Player: Ja Morant (2022)
Retired Numbers
- #6 – Bill Russell (league-wide retirement)
- #9 – Tony Allen (2010-2017) – Known for his elite defensive skills and role in establishing the team’s identity
- #33 – Marc Gasol (2008-2019) – Three-time All-Star and Defensive Player of the Year
- #50 – Zach Randolph (2009-2017) – Nicknamed “Z-Bo,” averaged double-doubles in five Memphis seasons
- Don Poier (Broadcaster, 1995-2005) – Beloved broadcast figure who narrated the team’s early years
Franchise Records
Career Leaders:
- Points: Marc Gasol leads with 25,917 minutes played
- Rebounds: Marc Gasol holds the record with 5,942 rebounds
- Assists: Mike Conley tops the list with 4,509 assists
- Steals: Mike Conley leads with 1,161 steals
- Blocks: Marc Gasol dominates with 1,135 blocks
- Three-pointers: Mike Conley holds the record with 1,086 three-pointers made
Notable Achievements
- Multiple NBA All-Star selections including Marc Gasol, Zach Randolph, and Ja Morant
- Consistent playoff appearances during the “Grit and Grind” era
- Development of distinctive team culture centered around tough defense and physical play
- Successful transition from Vancouver to Memphis, establishing strong community roots
- Recent emergence as a competitive force in the Western Conference