Memphis Grizzlies

The Memphis Grizzlies are a professional basketball team that plays in the National Basketball Association (NBA). Based in Memphis, Tennessee, they were founded as an expansion team in 1995. The Grizzlies have reached the playoffs six times since their founding and won one of those trips to the NBA Finals in 2013.

The franchise was created when Michael Heisley purchased Vancouver’s failing NBA franchise from John McCaw on April 27, 2001 for $160 million dollars. Shortly after purchasing the team, it was moved from Vancouver to Memphis and renamed “Memphis Grizzlies” with its first season being played during the 2001–02 campaign at Pyramid Arena; now known as FedExForum.

The current ownership group is led by co-owner Robert Pera who took over majority interest of ownerships shares from Heisley’s estate upon his death in 2016. Under this new leadership structure Chris Wallace has been appointed President of Business Operations while Jason Wexler serves as CEO overseeing all business aspects related to day-to-day operations including sales & marketing initiatives along with broadcasting rights agreements among others functions within organization..

Since relocating to Memphis prior seasons have seen notable success reaching postseason play 6 out of 17 years culminating into Eastern Conference finals appearance against San Antonio Spurs during 2012–13 season under Head Coach Lionel Hollins before falling narrowly 4 games 3 series win giving way for change following off season along with front office restructuring headed up by newly hired head coach Dave Joerger. It wasn’t until 2015 – 16 where another playoff berth occurred followed closely behind Western conference semi final run next two seasons never quite resulting any further advancement ultimately leading toward firing Joerger concluding 2017 – 18 regular season ending third consecutive year without making postseasons As result JB Bickerstaff replaced him 2019 bringing fresh vision return back winning culture via more aggressive approach both offensively defensively alike starting five core members Ja Morant Dillon Brooks Brandon Clarke Kyle Anderson Jonas Valanciunas alongside solid bench depth helped lead squad towards 2020 postseasons unfortunately bowing out early once again only managing single game victory round 1 best 4 matchup vs Lakers Despite early exit expectations higher than ever entering 2021 – 22 campaigns recently hiring Taylor Jenkins away Atlanta Hawks serve teams 7th full time head coach maintaining membership Southwest division Central subdivision western conference looking forward upcoming schedule

Despite missing three straight playoffs appearances performance wise overall outlook still appears bright future already set place young talent upgrades made across board expected bring even greater successes come befitting iconic “Grit Grind” motto city embodies