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Greatest Grizzlies: Determining the Franchise’s Top-25 All-Time Best Players

ByChristian Dudley|
MEMPHIS, TN - FEBRUARY 6: of the Memphis Grizzlies of the Houston Rockets on February 6, 2007 at FedExForum in Memphis, Tennessee. The Rockets won 98-90. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2007 NBAE (Photo by Joe Murphy/NBAE via Getty Images)
MEMPHIS, TN - FEBRUARY 6: of the Memphis Grizzlies of the Houston Rockets on February 6, 2007 at FedExForum in Memphis, Tennessee. The Rockets won 98-90. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2007 NBAE (Photo by Joe Murphy/NBAE via Getty Images)

In August, Beale Street Bears will determine the Grizzlies’ top-25 players in franchise history. Our writing crew will examine rosters from the Vancouver and Memphis eras.

It is officially the slowest point in the year for NBA basketball. Regardless, this does not mean the Grizzlies discussion must be haulted. Beale Street Bears has you covered for expert Grizz insight — even in the offseason.

For the month of August, our seven-writer crew has compiled their lists of top-25 players in Grizz franchise history. From the creation of the organization in 1995 — originally forming in Vancouver — to the “Grit-‘N’-Grind” era featuring the Core Four, the club has endured a very unique history.

Statistically speaking, Basketball-Reference offers an all-time list of the best players in team history. However, this does not take into account the hustle plays, passion, and key moments many players have produced en route to becoming a favorite among the fan base. Being a top Grizzly does not necessarily mean the highest-scoring players. It is about the grit and the grind — embracing what it means to be a member of the Grizzlies.

The Beale Street Bears’ breakdown is perfect timing. The Memphis Grizzlies released a new set of uniforms for the upcoming 2018-19 season. It pays homage to the Vanoucver Grizzlies days, but combines it with the “Memphis” days of the franchise. Though there have been plenty of highs and lows for the Grizz since 1995, plenty of NBA players have formed a legacy by representing the cities of Vancouver and Memphis.

https://twitter.com/memgrizz/status/1025155325098225664?s=21

As the Grizz head into the next era of basketball — one that is sure to include plenty of Jaren Jackson Jr. and Dillon Brooks for many years — their uniforms will offer a nightly reminder of the team’s full history. The Vancouver Grizzlies were severely underappreciated, but now they are receiving the credit they deserve in NBA basketball history.

Be sure to follow Beale Street Bears throughout the month of August to see where your all-time favorite Grizzlies rank in our writers’ minds! 

Go Grizz! 

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