Grizzlies

The Memphis Grizzlies began as the Vancouver Grizzlies in 1995, one of two Canadian expansion teams alongside the Toronto Raptors. After struggling in Vancouver, the franchise relocated to Memphis in 2001. The "Grit and Grind" era — defined by Zach Randolph, Marc Gasol, Mike Conley, and Tony Allen under coach Lionel Hollins — established a tough, defensive identity that took the Grizzlies to the 2013 Western Conference Finals. Memphis became one of the NBA's most respected small-market teams. Ja Morant's explosive arrival in 2019 ushered in a new era, combining the franchise's blue-collar identity with highlight-reel athleticism. The Grizzlies won 56 games in 2022 and continue to build around their dynamic young core.