This coach pivoted Grizzlies to a Grit-and-Grind identity

The Grizzlies have been in Memphis for only 23 seasons, a relatively short period compared to other older NBA franchises, which have a decades-long relationship with the city that hosts them.

But ever since the Grizzlies moved from Vancouver to Memphis, the franchise has become synonymous with its new hometown and connected to its culture.

Many of the NBA players and coaches who've played in Memphis have attested to how much the local community supports the team. Lionel Hollins, a former head coach of the Grizzlies, experienced first-hand the passion and commitment that the fanbase in Memphis has for the Grizzlies.

"The people in Memphis love their team, love the individual players, and make them a part of their family," Hollins told Andscape's Kelley D. Evans. "In New York, the fans were loud, rambunctious, and a lot of people came to games for different reasons, and as soon as the team would lose, then there wouldn't be any fan base, so it was different in that they weren't loyal."

Hollins pivoted Memphis to Grit and Grind era

Coach Hollins, a defensive-minded coach, was key in the Grizzlies' embracing the Grit and Grind identity, which perfectly matched Memphis' blue-collar local culture.

Hired after the franchise had consecutive 22–60 seasons, Hollins retooled the roster around tough-minded, hard-nosed players like Mike Conley, Marc Gasol, Tony Allen, and Zach Randolph.

Hollins catalyzed a culture shift in Memphis, Marc Gasol won Defensive Player of the Year, and the franchise had its most successful period.

New era, same love from fanbase

The Grizzlies became the Grit and Grind team thanks to Hollins, an identity they still retain today. In the late 2010s, the franchise went through a quick rebuilding process, ending with the selection of Ja Morant in the 2019 draft.

Ja has been the perfect player to lead Memphis into a new era because he combines Grit and Grind toughness with the charisma of a superstar. The entire city of Memphis has fallen head over heels for him, filling every seat at the FedEx Forum during home games.

Hollins, who most recently served as an assistant coach for the Houston Rockets, continues to follow the Grizzlies from afar. He will forever be remembered in Memphis as the man who gave the franchise its identity and set the foundation for a long-lasting, loving relationship between a fanbase and a team.

Related: Ranking the best seasons in Grizzlies franchise history