The Grizzlies fan base is as forgiving as they come when it comes to players who have played for the organization. Once a player shows an effort and a willingness to buy into the culture of the city and team, the fans can be won over fairly quickly. However, that doesn't mean that they have some players that would be hard to envision cheering for again if they were to return to the team.
The following players left the organization on somewhat of a sour note to the Grizzlies' fan base and would take a little while to accept again if they were to return to the team.
1. Luke Kennard
One of the best shooters in NBA history was acquired by the team at the 2023 NBA trade deadline and proceeded to shoot his highest percentage from three with any team (46.2%). However, his volume of only five attempts per game with Memphis took a dip last season when he only attempted four per game.
By the end of the season, Kennard was only getting cardio, as he was hesitant to let it fly from beyond the arc for a team that needed and wanted that from him. A player who can shoot like he can will always be welcomed by any team, but Grizzlies fans would have a hard time accepting him back with the last impression they have of him.
2. Steven Adams
Adams was hated by the Grizzlies fan base for his time playing with the rival Oklahoma City Thunder, specifically the time he tempted Zach Randolph to react to a foul that caused him to be suspended for a pivotal Game 7 of their 2014 first-round playoff series. However, his charm and demanding presence on the court with the team, following his acquisition in 2021, changed their view of him.
But he rubbed the fan base the wrong way after electing not to have surgery on the knee injury he suffered in January 2023. The injury caused him to miss the rest of that season and eventually required him to have surgery, which ruled him out for the 2023-24 season. After surgery, he never appeared in Memphis in public with the team again before he was traded at the 2024 NBA trade deadline.
3. Marcus Smart
Smart's tenure with the Grizzlies was quick and didn't have anything to show for it. He was often injured and was noticeably out of shape to begin each of his two seasons with the team before being traded at the 2025 NBA trade deadline. The reality is that Smart might be the same player he was with the Boston Celtics, but not appearing to give effort into his body will always be a stain on him in the eyes of the Grizzlies fan base.