The franchise began play as the Vancouver Grizzlies in the NBA’s 1995–96 expansion class before relocating to Memphis in 2001. Link: [Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Memphis_Grizzlies)

The Grizzlies and the Toronto Raptors were added for the 1995–96 season, marking the league’s first Canadian teams since the 1946–47 NBL. Link: [NBA.com](https://www.nba.com/grizzlies/history)

Vancouver’s inaugural game was a 92–107 loss at Orlando on November 3, 1995. Link: [Basketball-Reference](https://www.basketball-reference.com/teams/VAN/1996_games.html)

The Grizzlies won just 42 games over five seasons in British Columbia, going 101–359 before the move south. Link: [Basketball-Reference](https://www.basketball-reference.com/teams/MEM/)

On January 12, 2001, owner Michael Heisley announced the team would relocate to Memphis for the ’01–02 season. Link: [NBA.com](https://www.nba.com/article/2018/07/12/grizzlies-relocation-history)

Unlike most relocations, the team retained the “Grizzlies” nickname despite Tennessee having no wild grizzly bears. Link: [Sporting News](https://www.sportingnews.com/us/nba/news/grizzlies-name-memphis-origins/1o3rq4yb3j6p71avkfdi2pymja)

Memphis’s first victory came October 31, 2001, a 90–77 home triumph over Houston. Link: [Basketball-Reference](https://www.basketball-reference.com/teams/MEM/2002_games.html)

The Grizzlies debuted the FedExForum as their home arena on November 9, 2004. Link: [FedExForum.com](https://www.fedexforum.com/arena-history)

Memphis made its maiden playoff appearance in 2004–05, finishing 8th in the West with a 45–37 record. Link: [Basketball-Reference](https://www.basketball-reference.com/teams/MEM/2005.html)

Their first postseason win was Game 2 of the 2005 first round, a 98–84 home victory over Phoenix. Link: [Basketball-Reference](https://www.basketball-reference.com/playoffs/2005-nba-western-conference-first-round-grizzlies-vs-suns.html)

From roughly 2010–17, the Grizzlies pioneered a blue-collar, defensive-minded style dubbed “Grit and Grind.” Link: [ESPN](https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/17684467/grit-grind-memphis-grizzlies-nba-culture)

Signed in 2009, Randolph averaged 20.8 points and 10.2 rebounds per game over his first three Memphis seasons. Link: [Basketball-Reference](https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/r/randoza01.html)

Allen, a three-time All-Defensive Team member (2012–14), epitomized the franchise’s defensive identity. Link: [NBA.com](https://www.nba.com/stats/player/101111)

Conley spent 12 seasons in Memphis (2007–19), becoming the club’s all-time leader in points, assists and games played. Link: [Basketball-Reference](https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/c/conlemi01.html)

In 2013–14, Gasol became the first Grizzly to win Defensive Player of the Year, averaging 7.8 rebounds, 3.7 assists and 1.6 blocks. Link: [NBA.com](https://www.nba.com/awards/defensive-player-of-the-year/2014.html)

The Grizzlies claimed their first ever division crown in 2012–13 (56–26), winning the Southwest Division. Link: [Basketball-Reference](https://www.basketball-reference.com/teams/MEM/2013.html)

Memphis reached the Western Conference Finals in 2013, falling to San Antonio in six games. Link: [Basketball-Reference](https://www.basketball-reference.com/playoffs/2013-nba-western-conference-finals-sas-vs-mem.html)

With the 5th pick in 2011, the Grizzlies selected Lithuanian center Jonas Valančiūnas, their first lottery pick since moving. Link: [Basketball-Reference](https://www.basketball-reference.com/draft/NBA_2011.html)

The Grizzlies took guard Ja Morant with the 2nd overall pick in 2019, a selection whose rewards would be swift. Link: [NBA.com](https://www.nba.com/draft/2019/prospects/ja-morant)

Morant won Rookie of the Year in 2019–20, averaging 17.8 points and 7.3 assists per game. Link: [Basketball-Reference](https://www.basketball-reference.com/awards/roy_2020.html)

In 2022, Morant earned the franchise’s first All-Star starting nod, tallying 19.1 points per game at the break. Link: [NBA.com](https://www.nba.com/allstar/2022)

As of 2023, Mike Conley holds the Memphis record with 11,733 points. Link: [Basketball-Reference](https://www.basketball-reference.com/teams/MEM/leaders.html)

Zach Randolph is the Grizzlies’ top rebounder with 5,314 boards in Memphis uniforms. Link: [Basketball-Reference](https://www.basketball-reference.com/teams/MEM/leaders.html)

Mike Conley also leads in assists, dishing out 4,428 helpers. Link: [Basketball-Reference](https://www.basketball-reference.com/teams/MEM/leaders.html)

The team’s bear mascot “Grizz” debuted in 2004 and has been a fan-favorite ever since. Link: [NBA.com](https://www.nba.com/grizzlies/fans/mascot)

Since 2017, the Memphis Hustle (G League) serves as the Grizzlies’ official minor-league team. Link: [NBA G League](https://gleague.nba.com/hustle/)

On January 1, 2014, FedExForum drew 18,119 fans for a Nuggets–Grizzlies game, its largest crowd. Link: [Basketball-Reference](https://www.basketball-reference.com/boxscores/201401010MEM.html)

The primary logo evolved in 2013 from a mountain silhouette to a bold “MEM” muzzle with fierce eyes. Link: [SportsLogos.net](https://www.sportslogos.net/logos/view/7tpbkh1n4yjnkyfhpddfcryj6/Memphis_Grizzlies/2013/Primary_Logo)

Since 1995, the Grizzlies have featured teal, navy and yellow—swapping teal for Beale Street blue in 2018. Link: [NBA.com](https://www.nba.com/grizzlies/style)

The Grizzlies Foundation has donated over $20 million to youth educational and recreational programs in Memphis. Link: [NBA.com](https://www.nba.com/grizzlies/community)

FedExForum is LEED Silver certified and recycles 30% of its waste, showcasing the team’s eco-efforts. Link: [FedExForum.com](https://www.fedexforum.com/sustainability)

By 2023, Memphis’s roster had featured players from 10 different countries, including Lithuania, Turkey and Australia. Link: [Basketball-Reference](https://www.basketball-reference.com/teams/MEM/2023.html)

On March 23, 2016, the Grizzlies missed all 12 third-quarter free throws vs. Sacramento—a rare 0-for-12. Link: [Basketball-Reference](https://www.basketball-reference.com/boxscores/201603230SAC.html)

Memphis became the first relocated team to make the playoffs in five straight seasons (2011–15). Link: [Basketball-Reference](https://www.basketball-reference.com/teams/MEM/)

From 2011–14 the Grizzlies and Spurs met in the playoffs four consecutive times, forging a heated rivalry. Link: [ESPN](https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/9214343/spurs-grizzlies-fourth-straight-playoffs)

In 2012, tech entrepreneur Robert Pera purchased the team for approximately $350 million. Link: [Forbes](https://www.forbes.com/sites/kurtbadenhausen/2012/10/25/memphis-grizzlies-sold-to-robert-pera-for-350-million/)

As of 2023, Forbes estimates the Grizzlies’ value at $2.3 billion, up from $377 million in 2010. Link: [Forbes](https://www.forbes.com/nba-valuations/)

In 2019, Taylor Jenkins became head coach at age 38, the youngest in franchise history. Link: [NBA.com](https://www.nba.com/grizzlies/coaches)

Memphis dropped 141 points on Sacramento on April 3, 2023, winning 141–129—their franchise single-game high. Link: [Basketball-Reference](https://www.basketball-reference.com/boxscores/202304030MEM.html)

The 2000–01 Vancouver club went 23–59, the worst in franchise history. Link: [Basketball-Reference](https://www.basketball-reference.com/teams/MEM/2001.html)

Their 56–26 mark in 2012–13 remains the franchise’s best win–loss tally. Link: [Basketball-Reference](https://www.basketball-reference.com/teams/MEM/2013.html)

From 2011–14, Memphis shot 35.8% from three in the first quarters of all playoff games—their strongest frame. Link: [Basketball-Reference](https://www.basketball-reference.com/playoffs/)

FedEx paid $60 million over 20 years for naming rights, making it the NBA’s third-largest deal at the time (2003). Link: [Memphis Business Journal](https://www.bizjournals.com/memphis/stories/2003/12/15/daily31.html)

Despite multiple deep runs, the Grizzlies are one of five active franchises without an NBA title. Link: [NBA.com](https://www.nba.com/history/franchise-records/titles)

Memphis is the only NBA franchise in Tennessee; it remains the state’s lone major pro basketball team. Link: [Visit Memphis](https://www.visitmemphis.com)

In 2013, Lionel Hollins was named Western Conference All-Star coach after leading Memphis to the best record in the West. Link: [NBA.com](https://www.nba.com/allstar/2013)

Tony Allen, Marc Gasol and Zach Randolph are all widely expected to enter the Naismith Hall of Fame upon eligibility. Link: [Naismith Memorial Hall of Fame](https://www.hoophall.com)

Before Morant, the highest Memphis pick was Brandon Clarke at 21st in 2019—a second-rounder who became a key starter. Link: [Basketball-Reference](https://www.basketball-reference.com/draft/NBA_2019.html)

Memphis’s social media following grew by over 150% from 2015–23, reflecting rising national interest. Link: [NBA.com](https://www.nba.com/grizzlies/social)

Beyond Morant, the franchise has had participants in Skills Challenges and Rising Stars events every year since 2013. Link: [NBA.com](https://www.nba.com/allstar/2023/events)

From 2010–17, Memphis consistently ranked in the NBA’s top five in defensive rating, peaking 2nd in 2012–13. Link: [Basketball-Reference](https://www.basketball-reference.com/leagues/NBA_2013_ratings.html)