The Memphis Grizzlies honor their history for 901 Day by ranking the nine players who most defined the franchise's identity in the city. This list considers on-court performance, longevity, and deep cultural impact, celebrating the figures who built the team's legacy. The current squad looks to build its own legacy after a tough end to the 2025-26 season, which concluded with a 132-101 loss to the Houston Rockets on April 13, 2026.
Who are the top nine Memphis Grizzlies of all time?
Ranking Grizzlies legends isn't just about stats. It's about who embodied the team's spirit and connected with Memphis. Players like Shane Battier and Mike Miller just missed the cut, but the final nine represent different eras of Grizzlies basketball.
Rudy Gay comes in at number nine. He averaged 17.9 points per game over nearly seven seasons from 2006 to 2013. Gay played 479 games and is still fifth in franchise rebounds with 2,758. He was a primary scorer who bridged the Pau Gasol era and the rise of Grit 'n' Grind.
At eight is Desmond Bane. His three-point shooting and playmaking made him the perfect backcourt partner for Ja Morant. Bane broke out in his second season, 2021-22, and finished his Grizzlies run averaging 17.8 points before a 2025 trade to Orlando. His role in a peak era secured his spot.
Which players symbolize the Grit 'n' Grind identity?
Tony Allen, 'The Grindfather,' is a definitive name at number seven. His relentless defense for seven seasons made Memphis one of the NBA's toughest teams. Allen made six All-Defensive Teams, with three First-Team selections. The Grizzlies retired his No. 9 jersey in 2025.
Pau Gasol is sixth. He was the first sign of hope after the move to Memphis, winning Rookie of the Year in 2002 and making an All-Star team in 2006. Gasol averaged 18.8 points and 8.6 rebounds but was traded to the Lakers in 2008 before postseason success arrived.
Jaren Jackson Jr. ranks fifth. Over nearly eight seasons from 2018 to 2026, he became one of the franchise's most impactful two-way players. Jackson's defensive presence and scoring versatility were central to the team's modern identity. You can review the current team's defensive stats on our [stats](/stats) page.
Who are the franchise's foundational icons?
The top four spots belong to icons. Marc Gasol's combination of skilled passing, defense, and leadership as the 2013 Defensive Player of the Year cements his legacy at number four. He was the anchor of the best Grizzlies teams.
Zach Randolph, at three, personified the team's physical style. 'Z-Bo' averaged a double-double and his toughness in the paint defined an era. His connection with the city remains incredibly strong.
Ja Morant's electrifying play and cultural impact earn him the number two spot. His gravity on the court and flair made him the face of the franchise's new generation, driving them to consistent playoff appearances.
The number one Grizzly, according to this ranking, is the player whose tenure and achievements set the standard for all others. His longevity and production make him the definitive figure in franchise history. The team's all-time leaders in key categories can be found on our [stats](/stats) page.
What is the current state of the Memphis Grizzlies?
While celebrating past greats, the present team faces a challenge. The Grizzlies ended the last season on a five-game losing streak. Their final game was that 132-101 defeat in Houston. Building a new core that can reach the heights of those legendary teams is the current task. Fans can track the progress and upcoming schedule on our [fixtures](/fixtures) page as the team works to write its next chapter.
