The NBA Memphis Grizzlies play in the Western Conference’s Southwest Division as part of the National Basketball Association. In 1995, the Grizzlies and Toronto Raptors were both formed as Canadian expansion teams of the NBA. The Grizzlies were established in Vancouver, British Columbia. In 2001, the team moved to Memphis, Tennessee.

The Grizzlies finished in last place in each of their years in Vancouver. In 2000, the Grizzlies were sold and they moved to Memphis in 2001. In 2002, Jerry West became the Grizzlies general manager and Hubie Brown became their head coach. The Grizzlies made their first appearance in the NBA playoffs. Mike Fratello became the Grizzlies new head coach the next season, and Memphis made it into the playoffs for the second year in a row. However, they lost to the Phoenix Suns in the first round. The next year the Grizzlies made their third consecutive playoff appearance. In 2006-7, the Grizzlies had the worst record in the NBA at 22-60. Jerry West resigned as general manager. In 2009-10, the Memphis Grizzlies went 40-42, led by Marc Gasol and Zach Randolph.