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Memphis Grizzlies: The City Makes the Team?

By Blake Monroe

MEMPHIS, TN - MARCH 8: Marc Gasol #33 of the Memphis Grizzlies design sneakers with patients of St. Jude Children's Research Hospital as a part of "Hoops for St. Jude" on March 8, 2018 at FedExForum in Memphis, Tennessee. 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 2018 NBAE (Photo by Joe Murphy/NBAE via Getty Images)
MEMPHIS, TN - MARCH 8: Marc Gasol #33 of the Memphis Grizzlies design sneakers with patients of St. Jude Children's Research Hospital as a part of "Hoops for St. Jude" on March 8, 2018 at FedExForum in Memphis, Tennessee. 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 2018 NBAE (Photo by Joe Murphy/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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The Memphis Grizzlies are a team that continues to prove themselves despite their small market classification.

Does the city make the team? The Memphis Grizzlies are still overlooked though they are one of the most successful teams in the NBA over the past eight seasons.

The 2017-18 season is not what anyone expected it would be. It also does not define the Grizzlies; yet it is what everyone remembers. Before last season, Memphis had qualified for the NBA Playoffs seven years in a row — a feat only done by the Grizzlies and San Antonio Spurs within this particular span. Memphis took the eventual World Champion Golden State Warriors to six games in the 2015 Western Conference Semifinals. Yet, the Grizzlies still can never seem to build credibility in the association.

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Through the years, players like Zach Randolph, Tony Allen, Mike Conley, Pau Gasol, Marc Gasol, and Vince Carter have all forged this team into what it is today. A powerful underdog. Iconic plays, stifling defense, and intelligent offensive possessions still never seem to be enough to hook the attention of anyone on a national level, though.

Compared to another prominent team in the NBA, the New Orlean Pelicans, in the 2016-17 season, ranked lower in every category and have for most seasons. However, the Pelicans have received more national attention and exposure than our Memphis Grizzlies.

Is this because the Grizzlies are located in Memphis, Tennessee? After all, Memphis is not Los Angeles, California or even Boston, Massachusetts.  Regardless, the fans are glad it is not. Memphis is all about soul, history, family, and loyalty. It is about characteristics that our players demonstrate on and off the court.

Memphis may not have a roster full of NBA All-Stars or play in the biggest city in the country. What the Grizzlies do and have done for the city and the community speaks louder than one losing season. It is about togetherness.

Next. Grizzlies' Jackson Jr. Comparable to Six-Time All-Star. dark

Do not let the injuries and young roster fool you. This Year. This Season. This Team. This basketball family will prove to all large markets that the city does not make the team. Rather, the team makes the city. And that is most important. Memphis is home and it always will be for our Grizzlies.

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