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 and the sole professional basketball team in Tennessee.
1968: Tribute to Memphis sanitation strike of 1968
In 1968, the original "City" uniform had lettering based on the "I am a Man" protest banners from the Memphis sanitation strike of 1968.
1970: Memphis Sounds
In 1970, the city of Memphis was previously represented by the Memphis Sounds of the American Basketball Association (ABA).
1974: Original Memphis Grizzlies
In 1974, the original Memphis Grizzlies franchise played in the World Football League.
1975: Memphis Sounds
From 1970 to 1975, Memphis was represented by the Memphis Sounds of the American Basketball Association (ABA).
1975: Original Memphis Grizzlies
In 1975, the original Memphis Grizzlies franchise played in the World Football League.
1995: Grizz Mascot Introduction
In 1995, Grizz, the official mascot of the Memphis Grizzlies, was first introduced when the team was located in Vancouver, British Columbia.
1995: Vancouver Grizzlies Established
In 1995, the Vancouver Grizzlies were established as part of the NBA's expansion into Canada, along with the Toronto Raptors.
1997: Draft Pick traded
In 1997, Grizzlies first round pick in the 2003 NBA draft had been traded to the Detroit Pistons for Otis Thorpe.
2000: Grizzlies leave Vancouver
After the 2000-01 season, the Vancouver Grizzlies departed from Vancouver and relocated to Memphis.
2000: Year before the team moved to Memphis
In the year 2000, it was the year before the team moved to Memphis.
March 26, 2001: Relocation Application
On March 26, 2001, the Vancouver Grizzlies applied to the NBA to relocate to Memphis, Tennessee.
2002: Jerry West Hired
In 2002, Jerry West was hired as general manager of the Grizzlies.
2002: Grizzlies worst start since the 2002-03 season
In 2002, the Memphis Grizzlies had their worst start since the 2002-03 season.
2003: Hubie Brown Hired
During the 2002-03 season, Hubie Brown was hired to coach the Grizzlies.
2003: Draft Pick Lost
In the 2003 NBA draft, the Grizzlies lost their first-round pick due to a previous trade.
2004: Growl Towels Debut
In 2004, Growl Towels, the Grizzlies' trademark rally towels, made their debut in white during the team's first-ever playoff series.
2004: Grizzlies release new uniform design and logo
In 2004, coinciding with the move to FedExForum, the Grizzlies released a new uniform design featuring navy blue, Beale Street blue, smoke blue, and gold, along with a redesigned logo.
2004: First Playoff Appearance
In 2004, the Grizzlies made the NBA playoffs for the first time in team history, with Hubie Brown winning Coach of the Year.
2004: Playoff Berth
In 2004, the Grizzlies made the post-season for the first consecutive season.
2004: Spurs Sweep Grizzlies in Playoffs
In 2004, the San Antonio Spurs swept the Grizzlies in the first round of the playoffs, marking an early chapter in their rivalry.
2005: Growl Towels Changed to Gold
In 2005, The Growl Towels switched to gold to match the team colors for the 2004-2005 season.
2005: Team Revamp
The Grizzlies had an active 2005 off-season, revamping the team and adding veterans.
2006: Shane Battier Traded
Following the 2006 NBA draft, Jerry West traded Shane Battier to the Houston Rockets.
2006: Grizzlies Finish Last
The Grizzlies finished the 2006-07 season with a league-worst 22-60 record.
June 18, 2007: Chris Wallace Hired
On June 18, 2007, Chris Wallace was named the Grizzlies' general manager and vice president of basketball operations.
August 16, 2007: Gene Bartow Named President
On August 16, 2007, Gene Bartow was named the Grizzlies' president of basketball operations.
2007: Grizz's Absence and Support Program
In 2007, the performer playing Grizz was diagnosed with cancer, leading to a temporary absence and the creation of "Friends of Grizz", a support program benefiting St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.
2007: Mike Conley Jr. Drafted
In the 2007 NBA draft, the Grizzlies selected Mike Conley Jr. with the fourth pick.
February 1, 2008: Pau Gasol Traded
On February 1, 2008, Pau Gasol was traded to the Los Angeles Lakers.
January 22, 2009: Iavaroni Fired
On January 22, 2009, head coach Marc Iavaroni was fired.
January 25, 2009: Lionel Hollins Hired
On January 25, 2009, Lionel Hollins was named the Grizzlies' permanent head coach.
June 25, 2009: NBA draft
On June 25, 2009, Memphis selected Hasheem Thabeet, then selected DeMarre Carroll with the 27th overall pick.
September 9, 2009: Allen Iverson Signed
On September 9, 2009, the Grizzlies signed free agent Allen Iverson.
2009: Grizzlies release alternate uniform with Beale Street blue
In 2009, the Grizzlies released an alternate uniform with Beale Street blue as the base color.
2009: Last Playoff apperance before Missing the Playoffs
The 2009 season was the last playoff appearance before the Memphis Grizzlies missed the playoffs in 2017.
2010: Tenth Year Celebration
Going into the 2010-11 season, the Grizzlies celebrated their tenth year of basketball in Memphis.
2010: Number style changed
In 2010, the Grizzlies switched to Adidas' Revolution 30 system and the numbers changed from a split-letter style to a bolder, single-color style.
2010: Draft Pick
The Grizzlies had first-round draft picks in 2008 and 2010.
2010: "Grit and Grind" Style
The Grizzlies were known for their "Grit and Grind"-style of basketball in 2010-11.
2010: Players Re-signed
The team re-signed Marc Gasol and Hamed Haddadi after the 2010-11 season.
February 2011: Grizzlies Traded Players
In February 2011, the Grizzlies traded Hasheem Thabeet, DeMarre Carroll, and a protected future first-round pick to the Houston Rockets for Shane Battier, and Ishmael Smith.
April 8, 2011: Playoff Berth
On April 8, 2011, the Grizzlies found their way back into the post-season for the first time in five years after a 101–96 home victory over the Sacramento Kings.
2011: First Playoff Win
During the 2011 NBA playoffs, the Grizzlies won their first playoff game in franchise history on April 17.
2011: Grizz Named NBA Mascot of the Year
In 2011, Grizz, the Memphis Grizzlies mascot, was honored as the NBA Mascot of the Year.
2011: Playoff Series Against Oklahoma City Thunder
In 2011, The Thunder beat the Grizzlies in the conference semifinals in seven games during the 2011 playoffs, intensifying the rivalry.
2011: Grizzlies Upset Spurs in Playoffs
In 2011, the Grizzlies upset the Spurs in six games, making it the fourth time ever an 8th seed beat a first seed in the playoffs.
2011: Playoff Run with Growl Towels
Starting in 2011, Growl Towels gained prominence during Memphis' seven consecutive playoff runs.
2011: Grizzlies Post-Season
The Grizzlies found their way back into the post-season for the second time in six years in the 2011-12 season.
2011: Rivalry with Clippers Begins
The rivalry between the Grizzlies and the Los Angeles Clippers started in the 2011-12 season.
April 18, 2012: Playoff Berth
On April 18, 2012, the Grizzlies secured a playoff berth after a victory over the New Orleans Hornets.
December 13, 2012: John Hollinger Hired
On December 13, 2012, John Hollinger was hired by the Grizzlies as their new vice president of basketball operations.
2012: Off-season moves
During the 2012 off-season, the Grizzlies drafted Tony Wroten and signed Jerryd Bayless, also acquiring Wayne Ellington.
2012: Clippers Eliminate Grizzlies in Playoffs
In 2012, The Los Angeles Clippers eliminated the 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.
2013: Growl Towels for the Western Conference Finals
During their 2013 run to the Western Conference Finals, the Grizzlies printed over 100,000 Growl Towels.
2013: Al Kapone's Song Becomes a Grizzlies Standard
In 2013, Al Kapone's song from Hustle & Flow spontaneously became a popular chant among fans during the playoff series against the Los Angeles Clippers, evolving into a standard during Grizzlies games.
2013: Grizzlies Eliminate Clippers in Playoffs
In 2013, The Grizzlies eliminated the Clippers in six games in the first round of the 2013 NBA playoffs, further fueling the rivalry.
2013: Grizzlies Defeat Thunder in Playoffs
In 2013, the Grizzlies handled the Thunder in five games during the conference semifinals.
2013: Spurs Sweep Grizzlies in Conference Finals
In 2013, the Spurs swept the Grizzlies in the conference finals.
October 29, 2014: Grizzlies win season opener against Timberwolves
On October 29, 2014, the Memphis Grizzlies defeated the Minnesota Timberwolves 105–101, marking the franchise's first victory in a season opener since 2000.
2014: Heated Matchups Continue
Even without a playoff meeting in 2014, the Grizzlies and Clippers continued their heated matchups during the 2014-15 season.
2014: Thunder Beat Grizzlies in Playoffs
In 2014, the Thunder beat the Grizzlies in the conference quarterfinals in seven games.
April 1, 2016: Grizzlies set NBA record for most players signed in a season
On April 1, 2016, the Grizzlies signed their 28th player for the season, setting an NBA record for the most players used in a single season.
2016: Spurs Sweep Grizzlies Again
In 2016, the Grizzlies got swept again by the Spurs due to a multitude of injuries suffered during the season.
July 6, 2017: Randolph's jersey to be retired; Allen leaves
On July 6, 2017, the Grizzlies announced that Zach Randolph's #50 jersey would be retired, after he signed with the Sacramento Kings. Tony Allen also departed, signing with the New Orleans Pelicans, marking the end of the "Grit and Grind" era.
2017: Grizzlies Missed Playoffs
In 2017 the Memphis Grizzlies missed the playoffs for the first time since the 2009-10 season with the departure of Randolph and Allen.
2017: Grizzlies switch to Nike
In 2017, the Grizzlies switched to Nike, making minimal changes to their uniforms, with the exception of the Beale Street alternates now featuring the player's name below the number.
2017: Grizzlies wear black sleeved uniform as tribute to Martin Luther King Jr.
In 2017, the Grizzlies wore a black sleeved uniform as a tribute to Martin Luther King Jr.
March 17, 2018: Grizzlies tie franchise losing streak record
On March 17, 2018, the Grizzlies tied their longest losing streak in franchise history with 19 straight losses.
2018: "City" uniform paid tribute to professional wrestling
In 2018, the Grizzlies "City" uniform, featuring a grey base and gold letters, paid tribute to professional wrestling in Memphis.
June 12, 2019: Taylor Jenkins announced as new head coach
On June 12, 2019, Taylor Jenkins was announced as the new head coach of the Memphis Grizzlies.
2019: Morant named NBA Rookie of the Year
In 2019, Ja Morant averaged 17.8 points and 7.3 assists per game, and was named NBA Rookie of the Year.
2019: Conley Jr. traded to the Utah Jazz
In 2019, Mike Conley Jr. was traded to the Utah Jazz.
2019: Grizzlies wore Vancouver Grizzlies throwback uniforms
In 2019, the Grizzlies did not wear a "City" uniform, opting for the throwback Vancouver Grizzlies uniforms instead.
2020: Bane was drafted to All-Rookie Second Team
In 2020, Rookie wing Desmond Bane was drafted by the Memphis Grizzlies and was later selected to the 2020-21 NBA All-Rookie Second Team.
2020: Grizzlies participate in NBA Bubble and Morant wins Rookie of the Year
In 2020, the Grizzlies participated in the NBA Bubble after the season suspension and Ja Morant was named the NBA Rookie of the Year.
2020: "City" uniforms pay tribute to Isaac Hayes and Stax Records
In the 2020–21 NBA season, the 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 defeated the San Antonio Spurs 100-96 in the play-in tournament.
May 21, 2021: Grizzlies beat Warriors to secure playoff spot
On May 21, 2021, the Memphis Grizzlies defeated the Golden State Warriors 117-112 in the play-in tournament, securing the 8th seed in the Western Conference.
November 2021: Tony Allen requests jersey retirement ceremony to be postponed
In November 2021, Tony Allen requested that his jersey retirement ceremony be postponed.
2021: Grizzlies saw greater success
In 2021 the Memphis Grizzlies saw greater success finishing with a 38-34 record.
2021: Grizzlies defeat Spurs in Play-in Tournament
In 2021, the Grizzlies got payback on the Spurs in the play-in tournament by the score of 100–96.
2021: "City" uniform featured a mix of styles used by the team
In the 2021–22 season, the Grizzlies wore a commemorative "City" uniform featuring a mix of styles used by the team.
January 28, 2022: Original date for Tony Allen's jersey retirement
January 28, 2022, was the originally planned date for Tony Allen's no. 9 jersey retirement ceremony.
March 30, 2022: Grizzlies clinch division title and second seed
On March 30, 2022, the Memphis Grizzlies clinched their first division title in franchise history and secured the Western Conference's second seed by defeating the San Antonio Spurs.
August 11, 2022: NBA Retires Bill Russell's No. 6
On August 11, 2022, the NBA retired Bill Russell's number 6 jersey for all its member teams, honoring his legacy across the league.
2022: "City" uniform paid homage to the Memphis rap genre
For the 2022–23 "City" uniform, the Grizzlies wore black uniforms with Beale Street blue, chrome and gold accents in homage to the Memphis rap genre.
2022: Statement uniform modified
In 2022, the Grizzlies "Statement" uniform was modified.
2022: Grizzlies made the playoffs
In 2022, the Grizzlies finished 51-31 and earned the second seed in the Western Conference.
2023: Grizzlies sign Derrick Rose and acquire Josh Christopher
In 2023, the Memphis Grizzlies signed veteran Derrick Rose and acquired Josh Christopher in a trade for Dillon Brooks.
2023: "City" uniform represents "pure simple joy" of basketball
The "City" uniform for the 2023–24 season represents "the pure simple joy of growing up playing basketball on local courts dreaming of representing your hometown team".
September 2024: Announcement of Tony Allen's Jersey Retirement Ceremony
In September 2024, it was announced that Tony Allen's Jersey Retirement ceremony would go ahead on March 15, 2025.
2024: Gasol traded for a draft pick
In 2024, the Memphis Grizzlies traded Marc Gasol to the Toronto Raptors in exchange for a 2024 second-round draft pick.
2024: Grizzlies involved in draft trade
In 2024, the Memphis Grizzlies traded the 23rd pick via the Utah Jazz and a 2024 second-round pick.
2024: "City" uniform celebrated the 50th anniversary of the rebranding of Memphis' former ABA team, the Memphis Sounds
In the 2024-25 season, the "City" uniform celebrated the 50th anniversary of the rebranding of Memphis' former ABA team, the Memphis Sounds.
February 21, 2025: Roster Update
The Roster was updated on February 21, 2025.
March 15, 2025: Rescheduled Date for Tony Allen Jersey Retirement
The ceremony would go ahead on March 15, 2025.
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