With the recent meeting between Marc Gasol, Mike Conley, and owner Robert Pera, some have questioned the future of The Memphis Grizzlies. One thing is for certain though, the Grizzlies Belong In Memphis.
Culture, History, Grizzlies, Memphis
It is easy for the entire NBA and even fans of the Memphis Grizzlies to jump from one bandwagon to another. When I say this, the two wagons I am referring to is that of “Number 1 in the West” to “Memphis does not deserve an NBA team.”
Whatever “fan” of the Grizzlies you may be, that is all you are if these thoughts are real in your mind. Yes, Memphis is struggling.
It is hard to prove that you are the best team in the league one month and be in a contender struggle the next. To be honest, if Memphis can get on a winning streak before the NBA All-Star Break, there is a chance the league could see them in the playoffs.
No matter what though, whether this team makes the postseason or not, the Grizzlies belong in Memphis. One main example of this is their annual MLK Day celebration, and the team’s work in the community.
This team is more about heart and soul and history than they are about a stat sheet. This can be seen in the actions of former players such as Tony Allen and Zach Randolph that still call Memphis their home.
They believe in service over stats. Memphis may not be the biggest market, but the market they are in is one with more culture, heritage, history, and family than any other. So whether or not they are on top of the West or at the bottom, as a fan, the Grizzlies mean everything to the city of Memphis.
I am willing to bet they do not give an answer based on basketball, but an answer based on dedication. So again, the future may not be certain, but remember, the Memphis Grizzlies are more than a sport. They are a service to a community rooted in family values.