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The Vancouver years: the Memphis Grizzlies story

Franchise era

1995–96—2000–01

The Vancouver years

Memphis Grizzlies

The story in one sentence

Vancouver never won more than 23 games, though Abdur-Rahim supplied consistent production before the move south.

01

Expansion hardship in Canada

02

Shareef Abdur-Rahim, Mike Bibby and Bryant Reeves gave the era its recognizable core.

03

Its ending created the conditions for pau brings memphis to the playoffs.

Timeline

How it unfolded

  1. The foundation

    The franchise context

    The Grizzlies moved from Vancouver's difficult expansion years to Pau Gasol's breakthrough, the beloved Grit and Grind core and Ja Morant's explosive young team.

  2. 1995–96—2000–01

    The Vancouver years

    Vancouver never won more than 23 games, though Abdur-Rahim supplied consistent production before the move south.

  3. After 2000–01

    What came next

    Gasol became the franchise's first All-Star and led three straight playoff appearances after Hubie Brown installed a selfless ten-man system.

The core

Faces of the chapter

Next era →Pau brings Memphis to the playoffs2001–02—2006–07