National Jersey Day: Must-have Memphis Grizzlies jerseys
Nov 2, 2016; Memphis, TN, USA; Memphis Grizzlies forward Zach Randolph (50) and Memphis Grizzlies guard Mike Conley (11) react after the play against the New Orleans Pelicans during the second half at FedExForum. Memphis Grizzlies beats the New Orleans Pelicans in overtime 93-89. Mandatory Credit: Justin Ford-USA TODAY Sports
Today is National Jersey Day, and there are plenty of jerseys that every Memphis Grizzlies fan must own. Are any of these in your collection?
According to nationaldaycalendar.com, “National Jersey Day” is today. You know what that means? Wear your favorite Memphis Grizzlies jersey to class, to work, out at the bars with friends or at dinner with your lovely spouse. It should be a celebrated holiday. Close the schools. Close the office. This is a joyous occasion!
In all honesty, jerseys are a special commodity for every sports fan. For me, one of my expressions of my Memphis Grizzlies’ fandom is shown through my collection of jerseys. From the Vancouver to the Pyramid to the FedEx Forum, odds are, there are at least one jerseys from each era of the Memphis Grizzlies history.
There are plenty of people who reading this that are Memphis Grizzlies fans and have the same collection. Some people may look at this to find what jersey would be the coolest to wear at a college fraternity party.
I’m here to help Memphis Grizzlies fans and fellow basketball fanatics find the perfect jersey for any occasion. What are the some of the most memorable jerseys in Memphis Grizzlies?
7. Marc Gasol
Apr 5, 2016; Memphis, TN, USA; Chicago Bulls forward Pau Gasol (16) looks to pass as Memphis Grizzlies forward JaMychal Green (0) defends in the second quarter at FedExForum. Mandatory Credit: Nelson Chenault-USA TODAY Sports
Before “Big Spain” Marc Gasol, there was another Spanish sensation that took Memphis by storm. Ironically, that man is his brother, Pau Gasol.
While it’s a shame that Pau is now a member of division rival the San Antonio Spurs, his impact on the Memphis Grizzlies can’t be denied.
In the Grizzlies’ first season in Memphis, Pau Gasol won the Rookie of the Year award. After years of being stuck in the basement of the NBA under the guidance of Shareef Abdul-Rahim and Bryant Reeves, all of the sudden, the Memphis Grizzlies were in a new city led by young stars Pau Gasol and Shane Battier.
A Pau Gasol jersey is a must-have for all Memphis Grizzlies fans. If it’s possible, find the throwback design. The jersey represented an important time for the franchise. It embodied a change for a team that had struggled to make a name for themselves for almost a decade.
Under this design, the Grizzlies might have undergone two awful seasons. However, they did make their first playoff appearance while donning these jerseys, starting a spring-time tradition in the city of Memphis.
Next: 6. Marc Gasol: All-Star
6. Marc Gasol’s 2015 All-Star Game Jersey
February 15, 2015; New York, NY, USA; Western Conference center Marc Gasol of the Memphis Grizzlies (33) scores during the first quarter of the 2015 NBA All-Star Game at Madison Square Garden.Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports
There have been some Memphis Grizzlies All-Star appearances. Pau Gasol was an All-Star in 2006. Zach Randolph is a two-time All-Star as a Grizzly (2010 and 2013). Marc Gasol is also a two-time All-Star (2012 and 2015).
The Marc Gasol 2015 All-Star jersey is the biggest commodity among all the All-Star jerseys. It’s the most accessible All-Star jersey, and there’s historical significance behind it.
While Pau was the first Grizzly to be named an All-Star, Marc was the first to be voted in an All-Star. In a league that is dominated by star power, a big man that doesn’t rely on athleticism is included with the big name stars as starters.
Another cool feature about this jersey is its unique design. On the front, neither jersey says “West” or “East.” In addition, both the first and last name appear on the back of the jersey.
Because of its cool layout and the significance, many fans should look to own this Marc Gasol jersey.
5. Anyone in the “Core Four”
It doesn’t matter the design: white, navy, “Beale Street” blue or red. Every Memphis Grizzlies fan should own at least one, if not every, jersey of the “Core Four.”
At the end of their careers, the numbers 9, 11, 33 and 50 should hang in the rafters of the FedEx Forum.
Marc Gasol, Zach Randolph, Tony Allen and Mike Conley have made an impact beyond basketball in their tenure in Memphis. First of all, every year they’ve been together has resulted in a playoff appearance. Secondly, they’re arguably the best at their position/speciality in Memphis Grizzlies history. Mike Conley is the best point guard. Tony Allen is the best perimeter defender. Marc Gasol and Zach Randolph are the best center and power forward, respectively.
Through their success on the court, these players have established an emotional connection with the city of Memphis. Tony Allen is the “Grindfather.” His “All Heart,” “Grit ‘n’ Grind” attitude has become a mantra for the city. Zach Randolph has become an embodiment of the city. The tough-as-nails big man powered his way through a troubled past to overcome adversity and to experience success. If you don’t know how much Gasol and Conley mean to Memphis, go watch their recruitment videos from their free agency.
If you want to own the first retired jerseys in Memphis, look no further than any member of the “Core Four.”
4. Memphis Sounds
The Memphis Sounds jersey is a silky-smooth throwback that made up for the travesty known as the “Memphis Tams.”
The Memphis Sounds’ red-white color scheme give outfit flexibility. It can be worn with a pair of jeans or khaki pants. In addition, they still look fresh with a pair of jogger sweatpants and a clean pair of tennis shoes.
Furthermore, who doesn’t love a good throwback? There aren’t plenty of people with current jerseys for rising stars. People want the classics.
The Memphis Sounds jersey offers the ability to rock a throwback jersey that every basketball hipster fan desires, while representing their favorite current players.
3. Vince Carter
Apr 19, 2016; San Antonio, TX, USA; Memphis Grizzlies shooting guard Vince Carter (15) shoots the ball over San Antonio Spurs small forward Kawhi Leonard (2) in game two of the first round of the NBA Playoffs at AT&T Center. Mandatory Credit: Soobum Im-USA TODAY Sports
Many basketball fanatics think of the 2000 Slam Dunk Contest, when they think of Vince Carter. People think of the days in Toronto where there’s a red dinosaur on the Raptors’ jerseys.
If you were to got to a college party or a music festival, there will be at least one person wearing Toronto Raptors Vince Carter jersey.
Some Memphis Grizzlies fans should look at buying a Vince Carter jersey before he’s gone. At 39 years old, retirement is coming soon for VC. Having a future Hall-of-Famer on the roster is an honor, regardless of his impact.
Vince Carter will be the first Grizzly to be in the Hall of Fame (unless you count Allen Iverson who only played three games for the Memphis Grizzlies). Owning a No. 15 Vince Carter Memphis Grizzlies jersey is a must for any fan. Heck, if you’re lucky, try to get that autographed to show to your future children.
2. Vancouver Grizzlies
Apr 29, 2015; Memphis, TN, USA; Detailed view of a towel placed on each chair prior to game five of the first round of the NBA Playoffs between the Memphis Grizzlies and the Portland Trailblazers at FedEx Forum. Mandatory Credit: Nelson Chenault-USA TODAY Sports
The forgotten era of Memphis Grizzlies basketball is when they were in Vancouver. In their time in Canada, they were almost dreadful at 101-359 in six seasons.
However, in an era that released the greatest sports jerseys of all-time, the Vancouver Grizzlies design may take the cake.
The teal/red/white color scheme is already a unique color scheme. The way “Grizzlies” pops out is slick. The red and tribal scheme on the borders of the jersey is a fresh feature.
If your goal is to impress your friends or anybody of the opposite sex, rock this Vancouver Grizzlies jersey.
Sep 09, 2016; Springfield, MA, USA; Allen Iverson speaks at the Springfield Symphony Hall during the 2016 Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame Enshrinement Ceremony. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports
Yes, Allen Iverson was a Memphis Grizzly. The legendary number 3 who shook the entire league with every crossover actually never played a game in Memphis. Iverson played three road games and was unhappy with a bench role, leading to his release.
An Allen Iverson Memphis Grizzlies jersey is a rare commodity for many sports fans, because it was a random, short tenure. However, despite the insignificance of his stint, it’s an iconic jersey nonetheless.
Allen Iverson is, technically, the first Memphis Grizzly in the Hall of Fame. He was arguably the first proven legend to wear a Grizzlies uniform.
If any Memphis Grizzlies fan finds this jersey and wears it to a game, they would’ve worn an Iverson jersey more times in the FedEx Forum than AI, himself.
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