About Memphis Grizzlies
The franchise was established in 1995 as a part of NBA expansion to Canada, therefore first six season the team was known as Vancouver Grizzlies after which in 2001 it became Memphis Grizzlies after the league granted the owner the permission to move. The Grizzlies had never reached playoffs while playing in Vancouver but since the move to Memphis, the team has been more successful making it into playoffs several times reaching conference finals once, unfortunately they got swept 0-4 by the Spurs.
Southwest Division in Western Conference is a home for the franchise that’s still to win the division title. The team’s colours are Memphis midnight navy blue, Beale street blue, smoke blue and gold and their mascot Grizz has inspiration to become a WWE wrestler as it was evidenced in one of the playoff games shows.
The head coach for Memphis is Dave Joerger who has spent last eight years with the team and became the head coach in 2013.
Team leading duties belong to a Spanish center, Marc Gasol who was drafted by the Grizzlies in second round of 2007 draft. He’s played for the franchise since 2008 and he has been named NBA Defensive Player of the Year in 2013 which made him the first European to win this award, that season the Grizzlies gave up league’s lowest 88.7 points per game. Despite a solid defensive background there seems to be still a lot of potential left on the offensive side for Gasol to display. He’s also been to two NBA All-Star games, won two silver medals in Olympic Games playing for his national team of Spain and was two time gold medallist in FIBA European championships playing for Spain.
Another leader can be found in Mike Conley Jr, a point guard drafted by the Grizzlies in first round of the same draft in 2007. Despite being less decorated than Gasol, Conley is still an important piece of the teams as he leads the team in assist while delivering a steady stream of points. His sure hands make it easier for fans to watch when he attempts free throws too.
Zach Randolph compliment the two of his teammates by leading the team in rebounds while still chipping in with some scoring opportunities when needed, the skilled power forward has been to two NBA All-Star games and was also named NBA Most Improved Player in 2004. With plenty of experience no one can discount the value that Randolph presents to the team
