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10 greatest Memphis Grizzlies of all time

By Jack Williams

NEW ORLEANS, LA - FEBRUARY 01: Zach Randolph #50 of the Memphis Grizzlies discusses a call with an official during a game against the New Orleans Pelicans at the Smoothie King Center on February 1, 2016 in New Orleans, Louisiana. Memphis defeated New Orleans 110-95. 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 Stacy Revere/Getty Images)
NEW ORLEANS, LA - FEBRUARY 01: Zach Randolph #50 of the Memphis Grizzlies discusses a call with an official during a game against the New Orleans Pelicans at the Smoothie King Center on February 1, 2016 in New Orleans, Louisiana. Memphis defeated New Orleans 110-95. 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 Stacy Revere/Getty Images) /
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NEW ORLEANS, LA – FEBRUARY 01: Zach Randolph #50 of the Memphis Grizzlies discusses a call with an official during a game against the New Orleans Pelicans at the Smoothie King Center on February 1, 2016 in New Orleans, Louisiana. Memphis defeated New Orleans 110-95. 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 Stacy Revere/Getty Images)
NEW ORLEANS, LA – FEBRUARY 01: Zach Randolph #50 of the Memphis Grizzlies discusses a call with an official during a game against the New Orleans Pelicans at the Smoothie King Center on February 1, 2016 in New Orleans, Louisiana. Memphis defeated New Orleans 110-95. 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 Stacy Revere/Getty Images) /

3. Shareef Abdur-Rahim

Shareef Abdur-Rahim is unique to the rest of this list in that he played the entirety of his career with the Grizzlies in the city of Vancouver. Even though this was a brand new franchise, he would instantly establish himself as one of the stars of the NBA. After his rookie season, he averaged over 20 points in each of his remaining four seasons in Vancouver. He wasn’t just a scorer either; he lit up every stat on the sheet, including blocks, steals, assists, and rebounds. He is easily the most well-rounded player in this franchise’s history.

2. Marc Gasol

The second Gasol brother on this list didn’t quite earn the top spot, but he has a strong argument for it. Marc Gasol was a complete basketball player. He was the perfect modern big man; a guy who can score, pass, shoot, and play strong defense. The big guy is averaging 14.3 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 1.4 blocks in his career. He could have gone down as the greatest Grizzly of all time if he had stayed in Memphis longer.

1. Zach Randolph

Zach Randolph is the most efficient player in the history of a team that prides itself on player efficiency. He was an excellent defender with one of the most intimidating presences down low that the NBA has ever seen. He was a guy that other teams hated to come up against. Randolph set the bar for what it means to be a Grizzly through sheer force and power. In his prime, he averaged over 20 points and 12 boards, establishing himself as the most dominant Grizzly player ever.

Next. Rookie success for the Grizzlies opens the door for trades. dark

As a side note, success from a Michigan State power forward in Randolph may have given the Grizzlies extra incentive to draft two Spartan big men in the last 3 drafts.

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