It’s hard out here for Grizz Nation with the Grizzlies off to one of their worst season starts in franchise history. From frustratingly close losses to questionable officiating, it is safe to say that the basketball gods have not exactly been in Memphis’ favor as of late.
But it can’t rain all the time, and despite the stormy weather, there are still plenty of silver linings to be found if you look for them.
So, in honor of the upcoming Thanksgiving holiday, here are 10 things Memphis Grizzlies fans have to be thankful for:
1. Current and former Grizzlies players assembling holiday meals for families in need.
In partnership with Meals of Hope, a nonprofit organization dedicated to bringing people together to fight food insecurity, the Memphis Grizzlies players and staff put together Thanksgiving meals for hungry families in the Mid-South area.
2. Progress continues towards a new deal that guarantees the Grizzlies remain in Memphis for the next 25 years.
Regardless of how any of us might feel about the politics surrounding state funding for upgrades and modernization of sports venues, the fact remains that Grizzlies and FedExForum are net positives for the community in terms of economic growth and employment.
3. Marcus Smart’s YounGame Changer’s Foundation getting involved in the community.
One of the missions of his YounGame Changer’s Foundation is to provide resources, inspiration, and support for pediatric cancer patients and their families. The YGC Foundation has already provided two of their Smart Carts for Le Bonheur Children’s Hospital. Each cart is filled with electronics like tablets and Nintendo Switches that can be used by admitted patients and their families to provide a diversion and source of entertainment during treatment and as a portal for communication.
4. Miles Bridges doesn’t play for our team.
There are things worse than losing, and having to root for a violent domestic abuser is one of them. Sorry, not sorry.
5. Desmond Bane has been a legitimate all-star-caliber player.
He is playing more minutes, scoring more points, making more assists and steals than ever. Despite the team’s overall record, Desmond Bane deserves to be an all-star. Argue with your mom.
6. Santi Aldama is playing the best basketball of his career.
I’ve said it before, and I will say it again: Name a more iconic duo than Spanish big men and the Memphis Grizzlies. You can’t.
7. Jaren Jackson Jr continues to develop into a leader on and off the court.
8. Despite our starting lineup often partly consisting of a few G-League players in a trench coat, the Grizzlies are no longer at the bottom of the Western Conference.
The San Antonio Spurs (who have 2023 number one draft pick Victor Wembanyama) and the Portland Trail Blazers are both below Memphis in the standings.
9. The addition of Bismack Biyombo helped strengthen the front court.
The loss of both Steven Adams and Brandon Clarke for the season added both insult and injury to the Grizzlies’ woes.
Since being acquired by Memphis using the disabled player exception, the Congolese center has averaged 7.6 points, 8.4 rebounds, and 1.9 assists while playing an average of 24.1 minutes per game.
And finally last but certainly not least:
10. There are just 12 games left until Ja Morant returns.
This is not a drill. Twelve more games until 12 is back, y’all.
