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What if: the 2003 NBA Draft, LeBron James and the Memphis Grizzlies

By Mike Parrott

Jun 19, 2016; Oakland, CA, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers forward LeBron James (23) celebrates with the Bill Russell MVP Trophy after beating the Golden State Warriors in game seven of the NBA Finals at Oracle Arena. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 19, 2016; Oakland, CA, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers forward LeBron James (23) celebrates with the Bill Russell MVP Trophy after beating the Golden State Warriors in game seven of the NBA Finals at Oracle Arena. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports /
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2008-09 season: the year of LeBron James

This season was going to be it for the Grizzlies. With a core of Brooks, Redick, Miller, James, Anderson and Gasol, they (would’ve been) poised to break out. 

This season, in real life, was the season of LeBron James. Most notably the playoffs of LeBron when he steamrolled the Pistons, Hawks, and getting close to dominating the Magic. The reason he didn’t win that year was down to a lack of support.

Enter the new Grizzlies.

Besides LeBron James having his all-time great season, Redick started playing much better on limited minutes (would’ve started in this hypothetical), Anderson had a good rookie season with great shooting and Gasol had grown into a leadership role on the championship winning Lakers side.

Another thing to take into account is certain players not being on the other good teams that year. Pau was no longer on the Lakers dealing a huge blow to their championship abilities. Redick and Anderson not being on the Magic destroys their depth. Even Aaron Brooks not being on the Rockets causes a blow.

The Playoffs

To cut a long story short, the Grizzlies would’ve replaced the Lakers in this season and in turn would go on to win a championship. LeBron winning MVP and Finals MVP, essentially taking Kobe Bryant’s position that year of being the best player in the league.

June 19, 2016; Oakland, CA, USA; Former NBA player Bill Russell (left) speaks to Cleveland Cavaliers forward LeBron James (23) following the 93-89 victory against the Golden State Warriors in game seven of the NBA Finals at Oracle Arena. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports
June 19, 2016; Oakland, CA, USA; Former NBA player Bill Russell (left) speaks to Cleveland Cavaliers forward LeBron James (23) following the 93-89 victory against the Golden State Warriors in game seven of the NBA Finals at Oracle Arena. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports /

The Grizzlies finally win a ring and LeBron starts his haul in 2009 rather than 2012. Gasol wins a ring on the team he was drafted on, becoming one of the best Grizzlies of all-time. Mike Miller, J.J. Redick and Ryan Anderson’s contributions kickstart the small-ball system of floor spacing being essential.

The 2009 season would’ve been a fun one.

Do they become a dynasty?

Now Grizzlies fans, you must be asking, what about “The Decision?” This could’ve still been a problem. It all would’ve been down to the ‘09-’10 season. If LeBron James repeated, there’s no doubt in my mind he stays.

Heck, he even might’ve brought Dwyane Wade to the Grizzlies.

Therefore…

Therefore Grizzlies fans, keep the ‘03 draft lottery conspiracies going, Jerry West should have had the No. 1 one pick, brought the city of Memphis a championship and maybe even created a dynasty.

However we will never know.

Blame David Stern and his conspiracies, man. 

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