About the Memphis Grizzlies

The Memphis Grizzlies kicked off their season on November 1st at home against the Detriot Pistons. Justin Timberlake opened the game singing the national anthem and Isaac Hayes captured the crowd with a medley featuring America the Beautiful. The Grizzlies won their first victory of the season on Saturday, November 17th against the Cleveland Cavaliers, it was a much needed win after an 8-game losing streak. The Grizzlies finished  the season  stronger than they opened it, winning 4 of their final 8 games and matching their previous season record of 23-59.

The biggest victories for the Grizzlies this season came off the court. The stellar combination of Shane Battier and Pau Gasol gave Grizzlies fans many reasons to cheer. Battier became the first rookie to receive the NBA Assist Award for outstanding community service and Pau Gasol took home the prestigious Rookie of the Year honor.

With more experience under their belts, Battier and Gasol will be a big part of improving the Grizzlies game record. So will Wesley Person, Gordan Giricek, Cezary Trybanski, and other seasoned players who have been added to the Grizzlies roster. Together they will have the task of aligning the newcomers Drew Gooden and Robert Archibald who played well in the off-season summer tournaments.

At the close of the 2001-2002 season, the Grizzlies added another weapon to their team. In April, the Grizzlies announced Jerry West as the new President of Basketball Operations. West who has over 40 years of experience in the NBA, served as a player, coach, and executive for the LA Lakers. West said he came out of retirement for the sole purpose of building a winning franchise.

With an agenda that combines fresh and experienced talent, a new den under construction, and a new cub house head, the Grizzlies are poised to bring in big wins this season. The leagues expansion into Memphis has already been a success. As fans across Memphis and the Mid-South prepare for round two, catch phrases, buzz words, and chants are being inscribed. No matter what the call, aint nothing like Grizzlies basketball.