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1995–96 Vancouver Grizzlies season

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The 1995–96 Vancouver Grizzlies season was the first season for the Vancouver Grizzlies in the National Basketball Association. The Grizzlies, along with the Toronto Raptors, became expansion NBA franchises in 1995; they were the first NBA teams to play in Canada since the 1946–47 Toronto Huskies. The Grizzlies revealed a new primary logo of a grizzly bear holding a basketball, and got new uniforms with Native American markings on the trims of their jerseys, adding turquoise and brown to their color scheme. The team played their home games at General Motors Place in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.

In the 1995 NBA expansion draft, the team selected veteran players like Greg Anthony, Blue Edwards, Byron Scott, Benoit Benjamin, Gerald Wilkins and Kenny Gattison; the team also signed free agents Chris King and undrafted rookie forward Ashraf Amaya, and acquired Anthony Avent from the Orlando Magic. The Grizzlies received the sixth overall pick in the 1995 NBA draft, and selected center Bryant Reeves out of Oklahoma State University, and also hired Brian Winters as their first ever head coach.

In their NBA regular season debut on November 3, 1995, the Grizzlies got off to a solid start by defeating the Portland Trail Blazers on the road at the Rose Garden Arena, 92–80. Two nights later on November 5, the Grizzlies had a successful home debut at General Motors Place by defeating the Minnesota Timberwolves in overtime, 100–98. However, despite winning their first two games, the team struggled and posted a dreadful 19-game losing streak afterwards, leading to an awful 2–19 start to the season. After 13 games, Benjamin was traded to the Milwaukee Bucks in exchange for Eric Murdock and second-year forward Eric Mobley, while at mid-season, Gattison was dealt to the Orlando Magic in exchange for Jeff Turner, who never played for the Grizzlies due to a knee injury. After holding a 10–37 record at the All-Star break, the Grizzlies then suffered a dreadful 23-game losing streak between February and April, including a winless month in March, and finished their inaugural season in last place in the Midwest Division with a league-worst record of 15 wins and 67 losses.

Anthony was the team's scoring leader, averaging 14.0 points, 6.9 assists and 1.7 steals per game, while Reeves averaged 13.3 points and 7.4 rebounds per game, and was named to the NBA All-Rookie Second Team, and Edwards provided the team with 12.7 points and 1.4 steals per game. In addition, Scott played a sixth man role off the bench, averaging 10.2 points per game, while Murdock contributed 9.1 points, 4.6 assists and 2.0 steals per game in 64 games after the trade, and King provided with 7.9 points and 3.6 rebounds per game. Meanwhile, Wilkins averaged 6.7 points per game, but only played just 28 games due to back and Achilles tendon injuries, second-round draft pick Lawrence Moten contributed 6.6 points per game, Amaya averaged 6.3 points and 5.6 rebounds per game, and Avent provided with 5.8 points and 5.6 rebounds per game.

During the NBA All-Star weekend at the Alamodome in San Antonio, Texas, Reeves was selected for the NBA Rookie Game, as a member of the Western Conference Rookie team. Anthony finished tied in 14th place in Most Improved Player voting. The Grizzlies finished 20th in the NBA in home-game attendance, with an attendance of 654,013 at General Motors Place during the regular season. Following the season, Scott re-signed as a free agent with his former team, the Los Angeles Lakers, while Wilkins signed with the Orlando Magic, Murdock signed with the Denver Nuggets, Amaya signed with the Washington Bullets, and King, Avent and Turner were all released to free agency.

The team's new primary logo would remain in use until 2001, where the team moved to Memphis, Tennessee, and replaced the word "Vancouver" with "Memphis" on the logo; the original logo would last until 2004, while the new uniforms would last until 2000.

Offseason

NBA expansion draft

The Grizzlies roster was filled during the 1995 NBA expansion draft. By way of winning a coin flip with the Toronto Raptors, Vancouver elected to choose the former, between a higher NBA draft pick and the first pick in the NBA expansion draft, and therefore had the second pick in this draft. With their first pick, the Grizzlies selected point guard Greg Anthony from the New York Knicks.

PickPlayerPositionNationalityFormer Team
2Greg AnthonyPoint guardUnited StatesNew York Knicks
4Rodney DentCenterUnited StatesOrlando Magic
6Antonio HarveyForwardUnited StatesLos Angeles Lakers
8Reggie SlaterPower forward-centerUnited StatesDenver Nuggets
10Trevor RuffinPoint guardUnited StatesPhoenix Suns
12Derrick PhelpsPoint guardUnited StatesSacramento Kings
14Larry StewartPower forwardUnited StatesWashington Bullets
16Kenny GattisonPower forwardUnited StatesCharlotte Hornets
18Byron ScottShooting guardUnited StatesIndiana Pacers
20Gerald WilkinsSmall forwardUnited StatesCleveland Cavaliers
22Benoit BenjaminCenterUnited StatesNew Jersey Nets
24Doug EdwardsForwardUnited StatesAtlanta Hawks
26Blue EdwardsShooting guardUnited StatesUtah Jazz

NBA draft

Main article: 1995 NBA draft

The Grizzlies first ever draft pick was Bryant Reeves.

RoundPickPlayerPositionNationalityCollege
16Bryant ReevesCenterUnited StatesOklahoma State
236Lawrence MotenGuardUnited StatesSyracuse

Roster

  • Brian Winters
  • Lionel Hollins
  • Rex Hughes
  • Jimmy Powell

Roster Notes

  • Power forward Jeff Turner was acquired by the Grizzlies from the Orlando Magic in a mid-season trade, but was placed on the injured reserve list due to a knee injury he sustained with the Magic, and did not play for the Grizzlies.

First game

  • On November 3, 1995, Vancouver played their first ever game in Portland against the Trail Blazers and beat the Blazers by a score of 92–80. Benoit Benjamin scored a team high 29 points and 13 rebounds for the Grizzlies.

Regular season

Although they won their first two games in franchise history, the Grizzlies finished with the worst win–loss record in the 1995–96 NBA season, as is typical for an expansion team, and lost 23 straight games from February to April (setting an NBA single-season record now held by the Philadelphia 76ers with 27.)

Highs

  • On November 3, 1995, Vancouver plays their first ever game, defeating the Portland Trail Blazers by a score of 92–80 in Portland. On November 5, 1995, the Grizzlies make their home debut, defeating the Minnesota Timberwolves 100–98 in overtime in front of 19,113 fans, to begin the season with a 2–0 record.
  • The Grizzlies defeat nearby rivals the Seattle SuperSonics by a single point in a hotly contested game on December 19, 1995. The crowd leaves ecstatic.
  • The Grizzlies hold the Miami Heat to only 65 points in a 69–65 victory on January 13, 1996.
  • Vancouver finishes the season on a positive note, defeating the Denver Nuggets and Los Angeles Clippers on the road.

Lows

  • After starting the season 2–0, Vancouver would lose their next 19 games to quickly fall into last place in the Midwest Division.
  • Vancouver was held to a season low 62 points in a 111–62 loss to the San Antonio Spurs on November 8, 1995.
  • On December 10, 1995, the Grizzlies play the Toronto Raptors for the first time. The first NBA regular season game contested between two non-U.S. based teams. The game is held at General Motors Place in Vancouver. The Raptors win the game by a score of 93–81.
  • On April 2, 1996, Vancouver loses its 23rd straight game, losing 101–85 to the Portland Trail Blazers. The loss was also the Grizzlies 29th in their last 30 games.

Season standings

Game log

82April 21@ Los Angeles Clippers108–10115–6713,298

Player statistics

Regular season

PlayerPOSGPGSMPREBASTSTLBLKPTSMPGRPGAPGSPGBPGPPG
SF**82****82****2,773**34621211846**1,043****33.8**4.22.61.4.612.7
SF80661,930285104683363424.13.61.3.9.47.9
SG8001,894192123632281923.72.41.5.8.310.2
C77632,460**570**10943**55**1,02131.97.41.4.6.713.3
PF71321,58635569304241522.35.01.0.4.65.8
PG69682,096174**476**1161196730.42.5**6.9**1.7.2**14.0**
†PG64141,480155292**129**958523.12.44.6**2.0**.19.1
PF54341,10430333221033920.45.6.6.4.26.3
SG443573615029829113.01.41.1.7.26.6
†C34161112822132318218.03.8.6.4.75.4
PF310519873910189316.72.81.3.3.63.0
PF2903115573610710.71.9.2.1.23.7
SG2814738656822218826.42.32.4.8.16.7
PF251457011414101122922.84.6.6.4.49.2
†PG240402386127116116.81.62.51.1.06.7
†PF18641094914219822.85.2.5.8**1.2**5.4
†C131340410316101518131.1**7.9**1.2.8**1.2**13.9
SG4019221094.8.5.5.3.02.3
  • † Denotes player spent time with another team in the season. Stats reflect time with the Grizzlies only.

Franchise firsts

On opening night, the Grizzlies would spoil the Portland Trail Blazers debut at the Rose Garden Arena by defeating them. A few nights later, the Grizzlies would play their first home game, defeating the Minnesota Timberwolves at the buzzer.

Awards and records

  • Bryant Reeves, Second Team, NBA All-Rookie Team

References

References

  1. [https://www.basketball-reference.com/teams/VAN/1996.html 1995-96 Vancouver Grizzlies]
  2. (April 28, 1994). "PRO BASKETBALL; Vancouver Gets N.B.A. Team". The New York Times.
  3. Brown, Clifton. (November 3, 1995). "PRO BASKETBALL; Now Playing in the N.B.A., the Raptors and the Grizzlies". The New York Times.
  4. Farber, Michael. (November 20, 1995). "Whoa, Canada! When the NBA Hit the Court in Toronto and Vancouver, It Was Clear Both Fans and Players Had a Lot to Learn".
  5. "Vancouver Grizzlies Logo".
  6. "Vancouver Grizzlies Uniform".
  7. "Vancouver Grizzlies Uniform".
  8. Wise, Mike. (June 25, 1995). "PRO BASKETBALL; Anthony Is No. 2 of the Secaucus 27". The New York Times.
  9. Heisler, Mark. (June 25, 1995). "Armstrong Becomes Top Expansion Pick: NBA: Raptors Take Guard from Bulls. Massenburg Also Headed to Toronto, While Lakers Lose Harvey to Vancouver". Los Angeles Times.
  10. "1995 NBA Expansion Draft". Basketball-Reference.
  11. Romano, John. (November 2, 1995). "Grizzlies Deal for Magic's Avent". Tampa Bay Times.
  12. (November 2, 1995). "Basketball Briefs". Deseret News.
  13. Wise, Mike. (June 29, 1995). "PRO BASKETBALL; Underclassmen Rule Atop N.B.A. Draft Board". The New York Times.
  14. Heisler, Mark. (June 29, 1995). "NBA Is a Young Man's Game: Draft: Smith, McDyess, Stackhouse, Wallace and Garnett Lead the Way". Los Angeles Times.
  15. "1995 NBA Draft". Basketball-Reference.
  16. (June 19, 1995). "Grizzlies Name Winters Head Coach". United Press International.
  17. (June 20, 1995). "Grizzlies Hire Winters". Orlando Sentinel.
  18. (November 4, 1995). "Grizzlies Win Behind Benjamin". The New York Times.
  19. (November 4, 1995). "NBA ROUNDUP: Grizzlies, Raptors Welcome Reality with Big Victories". Los Angeles Times.
  20. "Vancouver Grizzlies at Portland Trail Blazers Box Score, November 3, 1995". Basketball-Reference.
  21. (November 6, 1995). "Grizzlies 100, Timberwolves 98 (OT)". United Press International.
  22. (November 6, 1995). "Rockets Still Own the Suns". Deseret News.
  23. "Minnesota Timberwolves at Vancouver Grizzlies Box Score, November 5, 1995". Basketball-Reference.
  24. (December 16, 1995). "Grizzlies End Streak with Win VS. Portland". The Washington Post.
  25. Murphy, Austin. (April 8, 1996). "Down......But Not Out as Their NBA-Record Losing Streak Hit 22, the Luckless Grizzlies Got an F for Futility, But an A for Effort".
  26. (November 28, 1995). "Grizzlies Trade Benjamin Away to Bucks". Los Angeles Times.
  27. (November 28, 1995). "Fair Trade? Grizz Only Get 2 Bucks for Benjamin". Deseret News.
  28. (November 28, 1995). "Bucks Deal for Benjamin". Tampa Bay Times.
  29. Johnson, L.C.. (February 23, 1996). "Magic Deal Turner to Grizzlies". Orlando Sentinel.
  30. (February 23, 1996). "Hardaway Heads for the Heat in Trade". Los Angeles Times.
  31. Romano, John. (February 28, 1996). "Strategy Was Bulls' Best Tool". Tampa Bay Times.
  32. "NBA Games Played on February 8, 1996". Basketball-Reference.
  33. (April 4, 1996). "Grizzlies End the Futility". The New York Times.
  34. (April 4, 1996). "Grizzlies 105, Timberwolves 103". United Press International.
  35. "1995–96 Vancouver Grizzlies Schedule and Results". Basketball-Reference.
  36. Howard-Cooper, Scott. (April 6, 1996). "Smaller Lakers Come Up Big". Los Angeles Times.
  37. (August 1, 1996). "Orlando Signs Gerald Wilkins". United Press International.
  38. "1995–96 Vancouver Grizzlies Roster and Stats". Basketball-Reference.
  39. (February 10, 1996). "Pro Basketball". The Gainesville Sun.
  40. "1996 NBA Rising Stars: East 94, West 92". Basketball-Reference.
  41. "1995–96 NBA Awards Voting". Basketball-Reference.
  42. "1995–96 NBA Season Summary". Basketball-Reference.
  43. (September 30, 1996). "Lakers Are Near Deal with Scott". Los Angeles Times.
  44. Steele, David. (October 30, 1996). "WEDNESDAY SPECIAL -- NBA PREVIEW: 1996-97 NBA Team-by-team". SFGate.
  45. Heisler, Mark. (October 31, 1996). "NBA Preview". Los Angeles Times.
  46. (August 1, 1996). "League Voids Howard's Contract with Heat". Tampa Bay Times.
  47. Povtak, Tim. (November 13, 1996). "Wilkins Is Back Knock on Wood". Orlando Sentinel.
  48. (November 30, 1996). "Jackson Can Shop Himself at a Whim". Deseret News.
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