Are the Memphis Grizzlies the newest villains in the NBA?

Are We The Villains?

Yes and No. I feel the NBA fan base is split on whether they like the Grizzlies or not. Some fans love the confident, fun, dancing personality of the Grizzlies, but some fans despise it. As long as Memphis continues to win and have fun doing it, fans are going to hate it. The villain persona is starting to grow among NBA fans, particularly Golden State Fans. Memphis does, however, have some support from major media analysts such as Kendrick Perkins.

Memphis has built this team from the ground up. Most of our players are guys we drafted or made small trades for. Memphis is building a team the way a small market needs to, as many big free agents do not want to live in Memphis (more BBQ for us). Many fan bases who are not having success in this are getting frustrated by our success. This methodology in building a team that loves the city they play for, loves playing with each other, and trusts the front office with their careers, is a methodology that brings a dynasty (much like the one in Golden State). That is something to be proud of. It is a good thing that Memphis is hearing hate from fans, that means we are on the right track. If we weren’t a threat to anyone, we would be left alone.

Should We Embrace the Persona?

Let the trash-talk fly, I say. If Ja Morant and Dillon “the Villain” Brooks (fitting) want to “griddy” their way into history, by all means, do it, and bring a few championships back with you. Our team thrives on being counted out and hated. It fuels their drive and passion to prove to everyone that there “ain’t no ducking no smoke.” I am here for it if fans want to paint the Grizzlies as villains. “There ain’t no running in the M.”

Memphis has a promising season up ahead, which might get off to a slow start due to a big rookie class being counted on a contributors and the injury of Jaren Jackson Jr. However, Memphis players are only getting better and better.

It will be fun to watch Memphis shine in the spotlight, good or bad. Let us turn into the skid embrace the villain persona if need be, (don’t get dirty, though), and continue to put the league on notice. Of course, the Grizzlies will always be our heroes and the guys on the team are not only great players but great men as well. Through love or hate, we will stand by the Grizzlies through it all.