History of Memphis Grizzlies in Timeline
The Memphis Grizzlies are a professional basketball team based in Memphis, Tennessee, competing in the NBA's Southwest Division of the Western Conference. They play their home games at FedExForum and are the only major professional sports team in Memphis. They are one of four professional sports teams in the state of Tennessee, the others being in Nashville.
1968: Memphis sanitation strike "I am a Man" protest banners
In 1968, the Memphis Grizzlies "City" uniform featured lettering based on the "I am a Man" protest banners from the Memphis sanitation strike.
1995: Grizz Introduced
In 1995, Grizz, the official mascot of the Memphis Grizzlies, was first introduced when the team was in Vancouver, British Columbia.
2000: Last Season Opener Win Before October 29, 2014
In 2000, prior to relocating to Memphis, the Grizzlies secured their last victory in a season opener, before finally winning another one on October 29, 2014.
2002: Start of 2023-24 Season
In the 2023-24 NBA season, they started off with zero wins and six losses, their worst start since the 2002-03 season.
2004: Growl Towels debut
In 2004, Growl Towels, the Memphis Grizzlies' trademark gold rally towels, made their debut in white during the third and fourth games of the franchise's first ever playoff series.
2004: Release of New Uniform Design
In 2004, coinciding with the move to FedExForum, the Grizzlies unveiled a new uniform design featuring navy blue, Beale Street blue, smoke blue, and gold. The logo was also changed.
2004: Spurs sweep Grizzlies in first round
In 2004, the San Antonio Spurs swept the Memphis Grizzlies in the first round of the NBA playoffs.
2005: Growl Towels switch to gold
In 2005, Growl Towels switched to gold when the Memphis Grizzlies changed their team colors for the 2004-2005 season.
2007: Grizz's performer diagnosed with cancer
In 2007, the performer playing Grizz was diagnosed with cancer, leading the Grizzlies to temporarily suspend Grizz's appearances and launch the "Friends of Grizz" program to support St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.
2009: Start of Playoffs Streak that Ended in 2017
In 2009, the Grizzlies had the start of their playoff streak that would end in 2017 when they missed the playoffs.
2009: Release of Alternate Uniform
In 2009, the Grizzlies introduced an alternate uniform with Beale Street blue as the base color.
2010: Uniform Number Style Change
In 2010, the Grizzlies switched to Adidas' Revolution 30 system, resulting in a change in the numbers from a split-letter style to a bolder, single-color style on the uniforms.
2011: Grizz named NBA Mascot of the Year
In 2011, Grizz, the official mascot of the Memphis Grizzlies, was named NBA Mascot of the Year.
2011: Grizzlies' Season Ends in Conference Finals
In 2011, the Memphis Grizzlies' season concluded in the Conference Finals after being swept by the San Antonio Spurs. This marked a reversal from the 2011 playoffs.
2011: Thunder beat Grizzlies in conference semifinals
In 2011, the Oklahoma City Thunder beat the Memphis Grizzlies in the conference semifinals.
2011: Grizzlies upset Spurs in playoffs
In the 2011 NBA playoffs, the Memphis Grizzlies upset the San Antonio Spurs in six games, making it the fourth time ever an 8th seed beat a first seed in the playoffs.
2011: Growl Towels become notable
Since 2011, Growl Towels have become notable across the league during Memphis' seven consecutive playoff runs.
2011: Rivalry with Clippers begins
The rivalry between the Memphis Grizzlies and the Los Angeles Clippers began in the 2011–12 season.
December 13, 2012: John Hollinger Hired as VP of Basketball Operations
On December 13, 2012, ESPN announced that John Hollinger was hired by the Grizzlies as their new vice president of basketball operations.
2012: Clippers eliminate Grizzlies in playoffs
In the 2011–12 season, the Los Angeles Clippers eliminated the Memphis Grizzlies in seven games in the first round of the 2012 NBA playoffs.
January 23, 2013: Grizzlies Acquire Jon Leuer
On January 23, 2013, the Grizzlies acquired Jon Leuer from the Cleveland Cavaliers in exchange for Marreese Speights, Wayne Ellington, Josh Selby, and a future first-round pick.
2013: Grizzlies print over 100,000 Growl Towels
During their 2013 run to the Western Conference Finals, the Memphis Grizzlies printed over 100,000 Growl Towels.
2013: Grizzlies Struggle and Enter All-Star Break
In 2013, the Grizzlies faced challenges, starting the season with a 14-18 record due to Marc Gasol's absence. They entered the All-Star break with a 29-23 record.
2013: Grizzlies handle Thunder in conference semifinals
In 2013, the Memphis Grizzlies handled the Oklahoma City Thunder in five games during the conference semifinals before getting beaten by the San Antonio Spurs in the conference finals that same year.
2013: Spurs sweep Grizzlies in conference finals
In 2013, the San Antonio Spurs swept the Memphis Grizzlies in the conference finals to go to the NBA Finals.
2013: Al Kapone song becomes standard
In 2013, the popular song by Memphis rapper Al Kapone from the locally filmed Hustle & Flow has become a standard during Grizzlies games since erupting as a spontaneous chant among fans during the 2013 playoff series against the Los Angeles Clippers.
2013: Grizzlies eliminate Clippers in playoffs
In the 2012–13 season, the Memphis Grizzlies eliminated the Los Angeles Clippers in six games in the first round of the 2013 NBA playoffs.
October 29, 2014: Grizzlies Secure First Season Opener Victory Since 2000
On October 29, 2014, the Memphis Grizzlies achieved a 105-101 victory against the Minnesota Timberwolves, marking the franchise's first win in a season opener since 2000, a year before the team's relocation to Memphis.
2014: Heated Matchups
Although the two teams never met in the 2014 playoffs, they still engaged in close, heated matchups in the 2014–15 season.
2014: Grizzlies Make NBA Playoffs
In 2014, the Grizzlies secured a spot in the NBA playoffs as the fifth seed in the Western Conference. They progressed past the first round but were eventually defeated by the Golden State Warriors in six games.
2014: Thunder beat Grizzlies in conference quarterfinals
In 2014, the Oklahoma City Thunder beat the Memphis Grizzlies in the conference quarterfinals.
April 1, 2016: Grizzlies Sign Record 28th Player
On April 1, 2016, the Grizzlies set an NBA record by signing their 28th player of the season.
2016: Spurs sweep Grizzlies due to injuries
In 2016, the San Antonio Spurs swept the Memphis Grizzlies in the first round of the playoffs due to a multitude of injuries suffered during the season.
July 6, 2017: Randolph's Jersey Retirement Announced
On July 6, 2017, the Grizzlies management declared that Zach Randolph's number 50 jersey would be retired. Tony Allen also left the team, marking the end of the "Grit and Grind" era.
2017: Tribute to Martin Luther King Jr.
In 2017, the Grizzlies honored Martin Luther King Jr. by wearing a black sleeved uniform.
2017: Switch to Nike Uniforms
In 2017, the Grizzlies switched to Nike uniforms with minimal changes except for Beale Street alternates.
2017: Grizzlies Miss Playoffs, Grit and Grind Era Ends
In 2017, with the departures of Randolph and Allen, the Grizzlies missed the playoffs for the first time since the 2009-10 season, signaling the end of the "Grit and Grind" era.
March 17, 2018: Grizzlies Tie Longest Losing Streak
On March 17, 2018, the Grizzlies tied their longest losing streak in franchise history, with 19 consecutive losses.
2018: Restructuring of Grizzlies' Basketball Operations
In 2018, Robert Pera, the controlling owner, announced a restructuring of the Grizzlies' basketball operations department. J. B. Bickerstaff was relieved as head coach, Chris Wallace was reallocated to player scouting, Jason Wexler became team president, and Zachary Kleiman was promoted to general manager.
2018: 2018-19 "City" uniform
In 2018, the Memphis Grizzlies' "City" uniform paid tribute to professional wrestling in Memphis, featuring a grey base and gold letters.
June 12, 2019: Taylor Jenkins Announced as New Head Coach
On June 12, 2019, the Grizzlies officially announced Taylor Jenkins as the team's new head coach.
2019: Conley Traded to Jazz
In 2019, Mike Conley Jr. was traded to the Utah Jazz in exchange for Grayson Allen, Kyle Korver, Jae Crowder, and the 23rd pick of the 2019 NBA draft.
2019: Morant Drafted and Joins the All-Rookie First Team
In 2019, the Grizzlies drafted Ja Morant. He was later named to the 2019-20 NBA All-Rookie First Team.
2019: Vancouver Grizzlies throwback uniforms
In 2019, the Memphis Grizzlies opted for the throwback Vancouver Grizzlies uniforms instead of a "City" uniform.
2020: Bane Joins All-Rookie Second Team
In 2020, Desmond Bane was selected to the 2020-21 NBA All-Rookie Second Team.
2020: Grizzlies Participate in NBA Bubble
In 2020, following the suspension of the NBA season due to COVID-19, the Grizzlies were among the 22 teams invited to the NBA Bubble. They participated in the play-in tournament but did not advance to the playoffs. Ja Morant was named NBA Rookie of the Year.
2020: Return to "City" uniforms with tribute to Isaac Hayes and Stax Records
In the 2020-21 season, the Memphis Grizzlies returned to wearing "City" uniforms, this time with a black base, metallic gold lettering and turquoise trim as a tribute to Isaac Hayes and Stax Records.
May 19, 2021: Grizzlies Defeat Spurs in Play-In Tournament
On May 19, 2021, the Memphis Grizzlies triumphed over the San Antonio Spurs with a score of 100-96 in the play-in tournament.
May 21, 2021: Grizzlies Beat Warriors to Secure Playoff Spot
On May 21, 2021, the Memphis Grizzlies secured the Western Conference's 8th seed by defeating the Golden State Warriors 117-112 in San Francisco. Ja Morant scored 35 points in the victory.
November 2021: Tony Allen requests jersey retirement postponement
In November 2021, Tony Allen requested that the Memphis Grizzlies postpone his jersey retirement ceremony.
2021: Grizzlies beat Spurs in play-in tournament
In 2021, the Memphis Grizzlies beat the San Antonio Spurs in the play-in tournament by the score of 100–96.
2021: Grizzlies Success
In the 2021-22 NBA season, the Grizzlies had recorded a record of 41-19 by the All-Star break, good for 3rd place in the West.
2021: Commemorative "City" uniform featuring a mix of styles
In the 2021-22 season, the Memphis Grizzlies wore a commemorative "City" uniform featuring a mix of styles used by the team including elements from the Vancouver era as well as the "Grit and Grind" and modern eras.
January 28, 2022: Tony Allen's jersey retirement originally planned
On January 28, 2022, the Memphis Grizzlies originally planned to retire Tony Allen's no. 9 jersey, but the ceremony was postponed at Allen's request.
March 30, 2022: Grizzlies Clinch Division Title and Second Seed
On March 30, 2022, the Grizzlies secured their first division title in franchise history and the Western Conference's second seed by defeating the San Antonio Spurs.
August 11, 2022: NBA retires Bill Russell's no. 6 for all member teams
On August 11, 2022, the NBA retired Bill Russell's no. 6 for all its member teams.
2022: 2022-23 "City" uniform
For the 2022-23 season, the Memphis Grizzlies wore black "City" uniforms with Beale Street blue, chrome and gold accents in homage to the Memphis rap genre.
2022: Modification of the Statement Uniform
In 2022, the Grizzlies modified the "Statement" uniform, showcasing the full team name and adjusted logo placement.
2022: Grizzlies Finish Season with 51-31 Record
In the 2022-23 NBA season, the Grizzlies concluded with a 51-31 record, securing the second seed in the Western Conference. Jaren Jackson Jr. earned his first All-Star selection and was named NBA Defensive Player of the Year.
2023: Grizzlies Sign Derrick Rose and Trade for Josh Christopher
In 2023, during the off-season, the Grizzlies signed veteran Derrick Rose and acquired Josh Christopher in a trade that sent Dillon Brooks to another team.
2023: 2023-24 "City" uniform representing joy of playing basketball
The Memphis Grizzlies' 2023-24 "City" uniform "represents the pure simple joy of growing up playing basketball on local courts dreaming of representing your hometown team".
September 2024: Tony Allen's jersey retirement ceremony announced
In September 2024, the Memphis Grizzlies announced that Tony Allen's jersey retirement ceremony would go ahead on March 15, 2025.
2024: Future Draft Pick
In 2024, the Grizzlies are expected to receive a second-round draft pick.
2024: Future Second-Round Draft Pick
In 2024, the Grizzlies are slated to receive a second-round draft pick as part of a previous trade.
2024: 2024-25 "City" uniform celebrating Memphis Sounds anniversary
In the 2024-25 season, the Memphis Grizzlies' "City" uniform celebrated the 50th anniversary of the rebranding of Memphis' former ABA team, the Memphis Sounds, using a red base, Beale Street blue and gold accents, and a throwback "Memphis" wordmark in homage to the Sounds' logo.
2024: Grizzlies games simulcast on local TV
Starting in the 2024–25 season, the Memphis Grizzlies have 5 games simulcast over-the-air on Gray Media owned WMC-TV, WSMV-TV and WBXX-TV.
March 15, 2025: Tony Allen's jersey retirement ceremony scheduled
The Memphis Grizzlies scheduled Tony Allen's jersey retirement ceremony for March 15, 2025.
October 21, 2025: Roster Updated
The Memphis Grizzlies roster was updated on October 21, 2025.
Mentioned in this timeline
Basketball is a team sport played on a rectangular court...
Adidas AG is a German multinational corporation the largest sportswear...
Bill Russell was a dominant American professional basketball player primarily...
Ja Morant is an American professional basketball player renowned for...
Martin Luther King Jr was a pivotal leader in the...
The Los Angeles Lakers are a professional basketball team based...
Trending
5 minutes ago Ugo Humbert vs. Davidovich Fokina: Swiss Indoors Basel 2025 Prediction and Betting Tips
Clark Lea is an American football coach currently serving as the head coach at Vanderbilt University since Prior to Vanderbilt...
1 hour ago Jaguars entertain trade possibilities for WR Brian Thomas Jr. as Steelers seek receiver.
1 hour ago Natasha Howard's Jersey to Be Retired by FSU; Career Celebrated After Announcement.
1 hour ago Prince Andrew considers exile in Abu Dhabi palace or Highland castle sanctuary.
Food Network is an American basic cable channel owned by Warner Bros Discovery It primarily broadcasts special and regular episodic...
Popular
George Soros is a Hungarian-American investor and philanthropist with a...
The White House located at Pennsylvania Avenue NW in Washington...
Bernie Sanders is a prominent American politician currently serving as...
Charlie Kirk is an American right-wing political activist entrepreneur and...
XXXTentacion born Jahseh Dwayne Ricardo Onfroy was a controversial yet...
Candace Owens is an American political commentator and author known...