Memphis Grizzlies Information

These aren’t your dad’s Memphis Grizzlies. The expansion years are over, and the Grizzlies have come out hibernation in a foul mood. Led by lanky star Pau Gasol, Memphis has proven to be a force to reckoned with, even in the tough Western Conference. Now, the Grizzlies have their snouts pointed toward the NBA Playoffs. When they arrive, head coach Mike Fratello won’t settle for an early exit. So jump aboard the bandwagon now by reserving your Memphis Grizzlies tickets today.

The Memphis Grizzlies worked their way south from Vancouver, Canada, after spending a tough 6 years in the far north. The NBA expansion to Canada failed to work out for the Vancouver Grizzlies as a combination of poor play and lack of fan support initiated the move to a warmer climate and a more receptive fan base. Still, things didn’t get better for the Grizzlies right away.

The 2001-02 NBA season, the Grizzlies first in the Music City, was spent struggling to 23-59 record more akin to an expansion franchise than an established member of the NBA. There were some high points though.

The Grizzlies came through with their first win for Memphis fans with a 98-83 win over the Cleveland Cavaliers in November. Pau Gasol was named Rookie of the Year, and the Grizzlies put together an improbable win over the Los Angeles Lakers late in December. The miserable season resulted in the Grizzles tapping into the successful Lakers organization to land former Lakers star Jerry West to handle the team. Year 2 under Jerry West ended with 28 wins. Not exactly a major improvement and the Grizzlies were still looking for help and major improvement as the 2003-04 season got underway.

A trade engineered with the Portland Trail Blazers brought in Bonzi Wells. Wells, a 6’ 5” guard/forward, contributed 12.3 points per game. In-an-up and down season, the Grizzlies still managed to put together 50 wins, earning a playoff berth for the first time in the franchise’s history in Memphis. The San Antonio Spurs, coming off their NBA Championship, put a quick end to the Grizzlies post-season by sweeping Memphis in four games.

Things were looking up for Memphis heading into 2004-05. They were coming off their first playoff spot, coach Hubie Brown had been awarded Coach of the Year honors, and the host city had provided a new venue in FedEx Forum. The aura of optimism was quickly shattered when Hubie Brown retired, the Grizzlies got off to a miserable start, and interim coach Lionel Hollins went winless in his first four games. Memphis quickly turned to Mike Fratello to right the ship. Fratello, who had spent time in both Atlanta and Cleveland, managed to push the Grizzlies hard enough to secure their second consecutive playoff berth. Memphis fans were once again disappointed, falling victim to another four-game sweep, this time by the Phoenix Suns.

Step-by-step, the Grizzlies are climbing to the top of the NBA mountain. It could be this year; it could be next, but Memphis has the potential to reach the peak. Don’t be caught off-guard. Buy Memphis Grizzlies tickets today.