Head coach Sidney Lowe Record 23–59 (.280) | Arena Pyramid Arena Playoff finish DNQ | |
Place Division: 7th (Midwest)
Conference: 13th (Western) Television Fox Sports Net South, WMC, WPXX | ||
The 2001–02 Memphis Grizzlies season was the first season for the Grizzlies in Memphis. After six years of struggling in Vancouver, the Grizzlies relocated to Memphis. Although it was the first NBA team for the city, Memphis played home to an American Basketball Association team from 1970–1975. During the offseason, the Grizzlies acquired rookie Pau Gasol, Brevin Knight and former University of Memphis star Lorenzen Wright from the Atlanta Hawks, while acquiring Jason Williams and Nick Anderson from the Sacramento Kings. Center Bryant Reeves sustained an injury during the preseason, and missed the entire season. Meanwhile, injuires would limit Michael Dickerson to just four games.
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The Grizzlies made their debut on November 1 at the Pyramid. The Grizzlies would lose to the Detroit Pistons by a score of 90–80. The Grizzlies lost their first 8 games of the season. Their first win would come in a victory over the Cleveland Cavaliers by a score of 98–83. The game was played at the Pyramid on November 17, for the franchise's first win in Memphis. The Grizzlies would finish in last place in the Midwest Division with a 23–59 record.
The highlight of the season was the contribution of two rookies. Gasol led the team with 17.6 points per game and was named Rookie of The Year. Duke alumnus Shane Battier had a solid 14.4 points per game, while Wright led the team in rebounding with 9.0 boards per game. The highlight of the inaugural season for the Grizzlies came on December 21. The Grizzlies beat the eventual NBA Champion Los Angeles Lakers at the Pyramid winning 114–108. Following the season, Anderson retired and Grant Long and Tony Massenburg were both released.
Roster Notes
Awards
Pau Gasol 2001–2002 NBA Rookie of the Year Award.
Pau Gasol 2001–2002 NBA All-Rookie Team
Shane Battier 2001–2002 NBA All-Rookie Team