Greatest Grizzlies: Damon Stoudamire Impacted Memphis’ Past, Present, and Future
![SALT LAKE CITY - DECEMBER 26: Damon Stoudamire #20 of the Memphis Grizzlies defends against the Utah Jazz on December 26, 2005 at the Delta Center in Salt Lake City, Utah. 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. (Photo by Kent Horner/NBAE via Getty Images) SALT LAKE CITY - DECEMBER 26: Damon Stoudamire #20 of the Memphis Grizzlies defends against the Utah Jazz on December 26, 2005 at the Delta Center in Salt Lake City, Utah. 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. (Photo by Kent Horner/NBAE via Getty Images)](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape/cover/sport/d36afb732bc44656a396c9b972bb5659c9dc095cf9bcba6253ea18bfd70db262.jpg)
When considering the greatest NBA players to ever represent the Grizzlies organization, Damon Stoudamire absolutely belongs in the conversation.
To tip off Beale Street Bears‘ top-25 countdown of all-time best players in Grizzlies franchise history, it is tough to chop the list to just 25. There have been so many impactful players. Some may not be big names, but they became fan favorites because of their hard work, effort, and hustle on a nightly basis.
When you think of the Grizzlies, there are multiple eras that bring back great memories. Being a small-market franchise, it has not stopped the team from earning relevance on many occasions. Think about the Grizzlies’ original days in Vancouver with their one-of-a-kind teal uniforms. Then the squad relocated to Memphis, Tennessee, calling the infamous Pyramid Arena their home in 2001. Those short-lived Pyramid memories transferred a few miles away to the Memphis Grizzlies’ current home, FedEx Forum, known as the “Grindhouse.”
Earning the No. 25 spot in the minds’ of our writing staff, Damon Stoudamire finally receives recognition that he truly deserves. Though he established a memorable career on the hardwood, he helped develop one particular key component which continues to lead the Memphis Grizzlies today. Within the organization, Stoudamire’s mark continues to live on. He became a legend in Memphis.