The Grizzlies started off their
Before the Grizzlies, Memphis had been home to another
franchise in the days of the ABA: the Memphis Sounds. The Sounds had begun
playing as the New Orleans Buccaneers but by the beginning of the 1970-71 season
had become the Memphis Pros. By 1972-73 the Pros had become the Tams who then
became the Sounds in 1974-75.
As to the Grizzlies, they started off their existence as a Vancouver,
Canada
expansion team. With first ever pick Bryant Reeves leading the way, the
Grizzlies started off auspiciously, winning their very first home game. After that, it
didn't go so well for them; from February to April of the 1995-96 season the
Grizzlies lost 23 straight games, very nearly tying the league record for consecutive
losses.
The following season saw the addition of Shareef Abdur-Rahim
with the Grizzlies third overall pick in the draft. During the season, the
Grizzlies slightly regressed as they won one less game than in their first year.
Even with the addition of subsequent number one picks Antonio
Daniels (1997), Mike Bibby (1998) and Stromile Swift (2000), the Grizzlies'
improvement was slow.
After moving to Memphis in 2001, the Grizzlies
picked Pau Gasol of Spain with the third pick in the NBA Draft that year. With
Gasol, the Grizzlies had found a player who would help turn them into a playoff team.
The Grizzlies had an abundance of athletic big men to team
with Gasol including Stromile Swift and Lorenzen Wright. Together with Mike
Miller, Shane Battier and other important role players, the Grizzlies made three
straight trips to the playoffs.
Some of the more notable Grizzlies have been:
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Shareef Abdur-Rahim (1997-2001)
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Shane Battier (2002-2006)
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Mike Bibby (1999-2001)
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Pau Gasol (2002-)
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Mike Miller (2003-)
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James Posey (2004-05)
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Bryant "Big Country" Reeves (1996-2001)
The pattern of the Memphis Grizzlies fabric consists of
French blue and sky blue squares. Within the squares are basketballs, jerseys and the
Grizzlies' logo.
This Memphis Grizzlies fabric is licensed by the NBA and
is for individual consumption. Any other use of this NBA fabric is prohibited
and illegal. The Memphis Grizzlies cotton fabric is not suitable for
children's sleepwear.