History of Memphis Grizzlies in Timeline

The Memphis Grizzlies are a professional basketball team based in Memphis, Tennessee, competing in the NBA's Western Conference, Southwest Division. They play their home games at FedExForum. Uniquely, they are the only major professional sports team in Memphis and one of three professional sports teams in Tennessee.

1968: Inspiration for City Uniform

In 1968, the "I am a Man" protest banners from the Memphis sanitation strike inspired the lettering used for the Grizzlies "City" uniform.

1974: Memphis Grizzlies in the World Football League

In 1974, Memphis was represented by a team named the Memphis Grizzlies that played in the World Football League.

1975: Memphis Grizzlies in the World Football League

In 1975, Memphis was represented by a team named the Memphis Grizzlies that played in the World Football League.

1995: Vancouver Grizzlies Join NBA

In 1995, the Vancouver Grizzlies joined the NBA as an expansion team for the 1995–96 season.

1997: Grizzlies Trade Draft Pick for Otis Thorpe

In 1997, the Vancouver Grizzlies traded a first-round pick in the 2003 NBA draft for Otis Thorpe.

2000: Grizzlies Final Season in Vancouver

After the 2000–01 season, the Grizzlies departed Vancouver and moved to Memphis.

2001: Pau Gasol Drafted and Traded to Grizzlies

In the 2001 NBA draft, the Atlanta Hawks selected Pau Gasol and traded him to the Grizzlies, who also drafted Shane Battier. Jason Williams was acquired from the Sacramento Kings for Mike Bibby.

2002: Jerry West Hired as General Manager

In 2002, Jerry West was hired as general manager of the Grizzlies, leading to changes in the team.

2002: Worst Start since 2002-03 Season

The Grizzlies started the 2023–24 NBA season off with zero wins and six losses, which was their worst start since the 2002–03 season.

2003: Hubie Brown Hired to Coach the Grizzlies

During the 2002–03 season, Hubie Brown was hired to coach the Grizzlies.

2003: Grizzlies Miss Out on Top Draft Prospects

In the 2003 NBA draft, the Grizzlies lost the chance to draft future All-Stars due to a previous trade.

2004: Hubie Brown Steps Down as Head Coach

During the 2004–05 season, Hubie Brown stepped down as head coach and was replaced by Mike Fratello. Despite an improved record, the Grizzlies were swept in the first round of the playoffs by the Phoenix Suns.

2004: Growl Towels Debut

In 2004, Growl Towels made their debut in the third and fourth games of the franchise's first ever playoff series.

2004: Grizzlies Make First NBA Playoffs Appearance

In 2004, the Grizzlies made their first NBA playoffs appearance and won a then-record 50 games. Hubie Brown won the NBA Coach of the Year Award. However, the San Antonio Spurs swept them in the first round.

2004: Spurs Sweep Grizzlies

In 2004, the Spurs swept the Grizzlies in the first round of the playoffs.

2005: Grizzlies Revamp Team with Veteran Additions

After the 2004-05 season, the Grizzlies revamped their team with veteran additions, acquiring players such as Damon Stoudamire, Bobby Jackson, Hakim Warrick, and Eddie Jones.

2005: Growl Towels Switch to Gold

For the 2004–2005 season, Growl Towels switched to gold when the Grizzlies changed their team colors.

2006: Battier Traded, Gasol Injured, Fratello Fired

In 2006, Shane Battier was traded to the Houston Rockets. Pau Gasol broke his foot playing for Spain, and Mike Fratello was fired, replaced by interim coach Tony Barone Sr.

2006: Grizzlies Finish with League-Worst Record

The Grizzlies finished the 2006–07 season with the league's worst record, and Jerry West resigned as general manager.

June 18, 2007: Chris Wallace Named Grizzlies General Manager

On June 18, 2007, Chris Wallace was named the Grizzlies' general manager.

August 16, 2007: Gene Bartow Named Grizzlies President

On August 16, 2007, Gene Bartow was named the Grizzlies' president of basketball operations.

2007: Grizzlies Select Mike Conley Jr. in NBA Draft

In 2007, the Grizzlies selected Mike Conley Jr. with the fourth pick in the NBA draft. Also Marc Iavaroni was hired as the new head coach

February 1, 2008: Pau Gasol Traded to Los Angeles Lakers

On February 1, 2008, Pau Gasol was traded to the Los Angeles Lakers for Kwame Brown, Javaris Crittenton, Aaron McKie, rights to Marc Gasol, and draft picks.

January 22, 2009: Marc Iavaroni Fired as Head Coach

On January 22, 2009, Marc Iavaroni was fired as head coach of the Grizzlies.

January 25, 2009: Lionel Hollins Named Grizzlies Head Coach

On January 25, 2009, Lionel Hollins was named the permanent head coach of the Grizzlies.

June 25, 2009: Grizzlies Draft Hasheem Thabeet and DeMarre Carroll

On June 25, 2009, the Memphis Grizzlies selected Hasheem Thabeet and DeMarre Carroll in the NBA draft.

September 9, 2009: Grizzlies Sign Allen Iverson

On September 9, 2009, the Grizzlies signed free agent Allen Iverson to a one-year deal.

2010: Grizzlies Re-sign Marc Gasol and Hamed Haddadi

After the 2010–11 season, the Grizzlies re-signed Marc Gasol and Hamed Haddadi.

2010: Grizzlies Celebrate Tenth Year in Memphis

Going into the 2010–11 season the Grizzlies celebrated the tenth year of basketball in Memphis.

2010: Draft Picks from Pau Gasol Trade

In 2010, the Grizzlies received draft picks from the trade with the Los Angeles Lakers involving Pau Gasol.

2010: "Grit and Grind" Style of Basketball

In the 2010–11 season, the Grizzlies became known for their "Grit and Grind" style of basketball.

February 2011: Grizzlies Trade for Shane Battier

In February 2011, the Grizzlies traded for Shane Battier.

April 8, 2011: Grizzlies Clinch Playoff Berth

On April 8, 2011, the Grizzlies secured a playoff berth for the first time in five years.

2011: Grizzlies Achieve Franchise Firsts in Playoffs

During the 2011 NBA playoffs, the Grizzlies achieved several firsts in franchise history, including winning their first playoff game and series against the San Antonio Spurs.

2011: Growl Towels During Playoff Runs

Growl Towels became notable across the league during Memphis' seven consecutive playoff runs starting in 2011.

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 Upset Spurs in Playoffs

In 2011, the Grizzlies upset the Spurs in six games, marking the fourth time ever an 8th seed beat a first seed in the playoffs.

2011: Playoff Matchup Against Thunder

In 2011, the Thunder beat the Grizzlies in the conference semifinals in seven games.

2011: Grizzlies Return to Post-Season

In the 2011–12 season, the Grizzlies found their way back into the post-season for the second time in six years.

2011: Clippers-Grizzlies Rivalry Begins

The Grizzlies rivalry with the Los Angeles Clippers started since the 2011–12 season, when the Clippers eliminated the Grizzlies in seven games in the first round of the 2012 NBA playoffs.

April 18, 2012: Grizzlies Clinch Playoff Berth

On April 18, 2012, the Grizzlies secured a playoff berth after a victory against the New Orleans Hornets.

December 13, 2012: John Hollinger Hired by Grizzlies

On December 13, 2012, ESPN announced that John Hollinger was hired by the Grizzlies as their new vice president of basketball operations.

2012: Grizzlies Draft Tony Wroten and Sign Jerryd Bayless

During the 2012 off-season, the Grizzlies drafted Tony Wroten and signed Jerryd Bayless, also acquired Wayne Ellington from the Minnesota Timberwolves.

2012: Clippers Eliminate Grizzlies

In the 2011-2012 season, the 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 During 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 Grizzlies Standard

In 2013, Al Kapone's song from Hustle & Flow became a standard during Grizzlies games after erupting as a spontaneous chant among fans during the playoff series against the Los Angeles Clippers.

2013: Grizzlies Beat Thunder

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 once again swept the Grizzlies in the conference finals to go to the NBA Finals.

2013: Grizzlies Eliminate Clippers

In the 2012-2013 season, the Grizzlies eliminated the Clippers in six games in the first round of the 2013 NBA playoffs, returning the favor from the previous year.

October 29, 2014: Grizzlies defeat Timberwolves in season opener

On October 29, 2014, the Memphis Grizzlies defeated the Minnesota Timberwolves with a score of 105–101. This victory marked the franchise's first win in a season opener since 2000, before the team's relocation to Memphis.

2014: Heated Matchups Continue

Although the two teams never met in the 2014 playoffs, they still engaged in close, heated matchups in the 2014–15 season. In a Grizzlies home game against the Clippers, the crowd was given flip-flop sandals designating Clippers players as "floppers".

2014: Thunder Beat Grizzlies in Quarterfinals

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 Memphis Grizzlies signed their 28th player for the season, setting a new NBA record for the most players used in a single season.

2016: Spurs Sweep Grizzlies Due to Injuries

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 Retirement and Allen's Departure

On July 6, 2017, the Memphis Grizzlies announced that Zach Randolph's number 50 jersey would be retired. Additionally, Tony Allen signed with the New Orleans Pelicans on July 6, 2017, signaling the end of the "Grit and Grind" era for the team.

2018: City uniform tribute to professional wrestling

The 2018–19 "City" uniform, which featured a grey base and gold letters, paid tribute to professional wrestling in Memphis in 2018.

2019: Morant Named NBA Rookie of the Year

At the conclusion of the 2019-2020 season, Ja Morant was named the NBA Rookie of the Year, earning 99 out of 100 first place votes on the ballot in 2019.

2019: Grizzlies Select Ja Morant and Acquire Brandon Clarke in 2019 NBA Draft

In the 2019 NBA draft, the Grizzlies selected Ja Morant with the second pick and acquired Brandon Clarke. Clarke was initially selected by the Oklahoma City Thunder with the 21st pick and then immediately traded to the Grizzlies.

2019: Throwback Vancouver Grizzlies Uniforms

In the 2019–20 NBA season, the Grizzlies opted for the throwback Vancouver Grizzlies uniforms, instead of wearing a "City" uniform.

2020: Grizzlies Invited to NBA Bubble and Morant Wins Rookie of the Year

Following the suspension of the 2019–20 NBA season, the Grizzlies were invited to the NBA Bubble in 2020. Ja Morant averaged 17.8 points and 7.3 assists per game and was named NBA Rookie of the Year, earning 99 out of 100 first place votes. Morant and Brandon Clarke were also named to the 2019–20 NBA All-Rookie First Team.

2020: City uniform tribute to Isaac Hayes and Stax Records

In the 2020–21 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.

2020: Desmond Bane Selected to All-Rookie Second Team

Rookie Desmond Bane, acquired by Memphis with the 30th overall pick in the 2020 NBA draft, was selected to the 2020–21 NBA All-Rookie Second Team for his performance that season.

May 19, 2021: Grizzlies Defeat Spurs in Play-In Tournament

On May 19, 2021, the Memphis Grizzlies defeated the San Antonio Spurs with a score of 100–96 in the play-in tournament.

May 21, 2021: Grizzlies Claim 8th Seed by Defeating Warriors

On May 21, 2021, the Memphis Grizzlies secured the Western Conference's 8th seed by defeating the Golden State Warriors with a score of 117–112 in San Francisco, thanks to 35 points from Ja Morant.

2021: Grizzlies had recorded a record of 41-19

By the All-Star break in 2021–22 NBA season, the Grizzlies had recorded a record of 41–19, good for 3rd place in the West.

2021: Grizzlies Beat 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: Commemorative City Uniform

In the 2021-22 season, the Grizzlies wore a commemorative "City" uniform featuring a mix of styles used by the team from the Vancouver era as well as the "Grit and Grind" and modern eras.

March 30, 2022: Grizzlies Clinch First Division Title

On March 30, 2022, the Grizzlies clinched their first division title in franchise history and the Western Conference's second seed, their highest ever seeding placement, with a win against the San Antonio Spurs.

August 11, 2022: NBA Retires Bill Russell's No. 6

On August 11, 2022, the NBA retired Bill Russell's no. 6 jersey for all its member teams.

2022: City Uniform Homage to 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.

2023: City Uniform Represents the Joy of Local Basketball

According to the team, 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".

2023: Grizzlies Signed Derrick Rose and acquired Josh Christopher

In the off-season of 2023, the Grizzlies signed veteran and former MVP Derrick Rose and acquired Josh Christopher in a trade for Dillon Brooks.

2024: City uniform celebrated the 50th anniversary of the rebranding of Memphis Sounds

The "City" uniform used in the 2024–25 season 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: Second-round draft pick

The Grizzlies traded to the Thunder for Brandon Clarke, for the 23rd pick and the Grizzlies' 2024 second-round draft pick.

March 15, 2025: Tony Allen Jersey Retirement Ceremony Scheduled

In September 2024, it was announced that Tony Allen's no. 9 jersey retirement ceremony, initially planned for January 28, 2022 but postponed, would go ahead on March 15, 2025.