History of the Grizzlies

The Vancouver Grizzlies were a professional basketball team based in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. They played in the National Basketball Association (NBA) from 1995 to 2001 before relocating to Memphis, Tennessee, and becoming the Memphis Grizzlies. The team was founded as part of an expansion into Canada alongside the Toronto Raptors and played their home games at General Motors Place (now Rogers Arena).

In their first season with legendary coach Brian Hill at the helm, they finished 15-67 but improved over time under new head coaches Lionel Hollins and Sidney Lowe. In the 1998–99 season, they had a respectable 22-60 record despite losing star forward Shareef Abdur-Rahim in midseason due to injury. The following year saw them finish 23-59 with Mike Bibby leading all scorers with an average of 19 points per game for that campaign alone; however, it wasn’t enough for them to make playoffs as teams such as Minnesota Timberwolves or Portland Trail Blazers did better than expected that year instead of them getting into postseason play.

Despite some good individual performances by players like Michael Dickerson who averaged 17 points per game during his tenure there between 1999–2001 seasons or Bryant Reeves who showed flashes of brilliance while playing center position throughout those years; overall lack of success led ownership group headed by Bill Laurie deciding it was best if franchise would relocate after six years being based out of Vancouver BC area due financial losses incurred each season amounting up millions dollars every single one making hard keep running business model any longer so move became inevitable decision made 2002 when NBA approved relocation request filed months prior announcement date set May 11th same calendar year which marked official end era known “Grizzlies” city Canadian province British Columbia where beloved mascot “Big Country” still remembered fondly this day even though he never got chance show what could do playoffs since didn't make once during stay Pacific Northwest region United States America.