Memphis Grizzlies: Parallels to the 1996-97 San Antonio Spurs
The Memphis Grizzlies are nearing a franchise low point. However, it would not be the first time that an NBA franchise has bounced back from such a place.
If you were able to see your own future, would you do it? Even if you weren’t able to know specifics, would you still want to just get an idea of how it would turn out? It would be an amazing chance to see who you could or would become. However, it would also be terrifying–there may only be pain and struggle in your future.
I can’t tell you what the future of the Memphis Grizzlies will look like–no one can. Certainly, the situation is bleak right now. Even if the team finds a way to rally (which is unlikely since Tyreke Evans will be traded), there is no way that they can make the playoffs. Marc Gasol and Mike Conley are nearing the twilight of their careers sooner rather than later.
At least no one is accusing anyone of faking an illness.
Whenever you encounter a problem, it is always wise to look to the past for inspiration. Perhaps the Memphis Grizzlies can find comfort in the 1996-97 San Antonio Spurs.
The Original Tank
If you haven’t been living under a rock for the last 20 years, then you know that the San Antonio Spurs have been models of excellence. The last time that they missed the playoffs was–you guessed it–the 1996-97 season. That is 21 straight years of making the playoffs.
The 1996-97 season was the year that Greg Popovich would replace Coach Bob Hill after a 3-15 start to the season. Also, the 1996-97 Spurs season would change the course of NBA history.
To understand what the Spurs eventually did, it’s necessary to know some of their history. The Spurs had traditionally always been contenders even back then. After all, their last losing season had been the 1988-89 season. They were led by future Hall of Famer David “The Admiral” Robinson, who was one of the two best centers in the NBA along with Hakeem Olajuwon for his entire career. Really, just look at his numbers. Unfortunately, he only played 6 games during the 1996-97 season due to injury.
The San Antonio Spurs were in a situation that they had never faced before. Without their best player, they knew they were in for a terrible season (sound familiar?). With players like Vinny Del Negro and the corpse of Dominique Wilkins, they simply didn’t have the talent to right the ship with Robinson out. The Spurs would finish the season with a 20-62 record, the 2nd worst behind only Memphis’ predecessor, the Vancouver Grizzlies.
As a result of that awful season, Popovich and the Spurs would form one of the greatest dynasties in the history of sports.
The Spurs would use the first pick in the 1997 draft to pick a guy named Tim Duncan. Along with the returning David Robinson, Duncan would lead the Spurs to a title in his first year. A new dynasty was born, and the rest is history.
The Memphis-San Antonio Parallel
Let me be clear: The Memphis Grizzlies do not have a David Robinson on their roster. Marc Gasol was one of the best starting centers in the NBA, but he is declining. When healthy, Mike Conley is an excellent player, but he’s not a future Hall of Famer.
However, the Grizzlies still have an opportunity that is similar to the one the Spurs had in 1997.
With a top pick in the 2018 draft, the Memphis Grizzlies could be back in the playoff mix again next year. Do not let this terrible season distract you from the fact that the Grizzlies are still a solid team. It was not long ago that the Grizzlies were 5-1 with wins over the Rockets and Warriors. Regardless of their decline, two of the best players of a 7 year playoff run are still there. It is injuries that have derailed their season to the point where it cannot be saved.
The Grizzlies are likely to bottom out for the rest of this year. The schedule is about to get tougher, and Chris Wallace will trade Tyreke Evans before the trade deadline. The combination of injuries and the team’s reliance on young players will push them towards the bottom of the standings.
A Chance for a Spursian Reload
Whether the San Antonio Spurs actually tanked in 1997 is not the point. Regardless of whether it was intentional, their lost season allowed them to add a superstar in Tim Duncan that pushed their team over the top.
Now, the Memphis Grizzlies find themselves in a similar situation nearly 20 years later. Their lost season this year will give them the chance to pick a potential superstar at the top of the NBA draft. Adding a top pick to an already solid (but not great) roster will allow them to be in the playoff mix once again.
The future for the Beale Street Bears is uncertain. However, if the past is any indication, the Grizzlies may just be able to benefit from an awful situation.