Memphis Grizzlies Bid Farewell to Prince, Pondexter
Apr 30, 2013; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Memphis Grizzlies small forward Quincy Pondexter (20), small forward Tayshaun Prince (21), power forward Zach Randolph (50), shooting guard Tony Allen (9) along with Los Angeles Clippers shooting guard Jamal Crawford (11), point guard Chris Paul (3) and center Ronny Turiaf (21) go for a rebound in the second half of the game in the first round of the 2013 NBA Playoffs against the Memphis Grizzlies at the Staples Center. Grizzlies won 103-93. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports
In the three-team trade that finalized early Monday morning, the Memphis Grizzlies bid farewell to Tayshaun Prince and Quincy Pondexter as the two players begin the next chapter of their NBA careers.
Tayshaun Prince has spent one whole season and nearly one-half of two different seasons with the Memphis Grizzlies. Quincy Pondexter was a Grizzly for a bit longer–four whole seasons with the Grizz.
The Grizzlies breed classy players; however, Tayshaun and Quincy were classy before they began their tenure in the Memphis blue uniforms. They both represented the organization to the highest degree.
Prince even brought the championship swagger and veteran leadership to assist the team in reaching the furthest they have ever been in franchise history–the Western Conference Finals.
There are not many NBA players in the league today that have given back to a local community more than Quincy Pondexter. Q-Pon was always mingling with Memphians at Grizz holiday events and taking part in many fan events, including the Grizzlies’ offseason caravan stops.
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While the additions of Jeff Green and Russ Smith make the Grizzlies a younger team and perhaps stronger contenders as the season moves forward, Grizz Nation appreciates Prince and Pondexter to the fullest. The Memphis Grizzlies were lucky to have two great role models on the team.
And on the court? Grizz Nation will never forget the many memories created by Tayshaun Prince and Quincy Pondexter, from dunks to three-point daggers to clutch plays. Together, the two players always contributed to the Grizzlies being a contending team each season they were on the roster.
As I mentioned previously, “Tay” and “Q” helped the infamous playoff push by the 2012-13 Grizzly team that eventually found defeat in the Western Conference Finals to the San Antonio Spurs. Below are some highlights from their time as members of the Memphis Grizzlies. Take a few minutes, Grizz Nation, to relive the importance and grit-‘n’-grind that both players brought to the Grizzlies from Beale Street.
Farewell and good luck, Tayshaun Prince, in Boston or wherever you may suit up next.
Farewell and good luck, Quincy Pondexter, as you rejoin New Orleans–this time as a Pelican.
Grizz Nation will be rooting for you both except when you all show up on the opposite side of the scorer’s table!
Please feel free to comment below with your favorite Grizzlies’ memories of Tayshaun Prince and Quincy Pondexter. Go Grizz!