Best Memphis Grizzlies Players of All Time

The Memphis Grizzlies were a playoff regular in the tough Western Conference during the 2010s, often with decent NBA championship odds at season’s end, as they embraced their grit-and-grind identity.

Led by Ja Morant, the Grizzlies hope they can finally get over the hump and win it all, but who are some of the other best Memphis Grizzlies players of all time that tried to bring the city its first title?

Best Memphis Grizzlies Players of All Time

1. Marc Gasol

Marc Gasol served as the defensive anchor throughout the Grizzlies’ “grit-and-grind” era, which helped him earn the 2012-13 Defensive Player of the Year Award and two All-NBA Team selections.

Gasol also brought it on the offensive end, as he could either bully you inside for easy looks at the rim or knock down the 3-pointer.

One time for Marc Gasol!

Memphis Grizzlies legend. ❄️ pic.twitter.com/UN4PkfBey4

— Hilltop Hoops (@HilltopNBA) November 23, 2020

Gasol has the most field goals, rebounds, and blocks and third-most steals in franchise history.

2. Mike Conley

Mike Conley provided excellent play and leadership on both sides of the floor during the “grit-and-grind” era, as he’s the all-time leader in points, assists, 3-pointers and steals in franchise history.

Conley could’ve averaged more points per game, but he focused on maximizing everyone’s talents on the team.

Conley was named to the All-Defensive Second Team during the 2012-13 season.

3. Zach Randolph

Zach Randolph endeared himself into the hearts of Grizzlies fans during the “grit-and-grind” era with the energy he brought to the floor every night.

“Z-Bo” averaged a double-double in five of his eight seasons in Memphis, including two seasons of 20+ points and 10+ rebounds per game.

Randolph was named to the All-NBA Third Team during the 2010-11 season and has the third-most points and second-most rebounds in franchise history.

4. Ja Morant

Ja Morant has made such a huge impact on the Grizzlies in his short time in the league, as he helped lead them to the second seed in the Western Conference in 2022 and 2023.

Ja Morant is different… pic.twitter.com/OKSua9Mmda

— Steven Adams Stats (@funakistats) December 27, 2023

Morant has become one of the most popular players in the league due to his flashy dunks, acrobatic layups and exuberant personality.

Morant has dealt with injuries and was also suspended for a total of 33 games after two instances of him posting videos that the NBA termed conduct detrimental to the league on his personal social media accounts, but if he can stay on the court moving forward, he could end up being the best player to ever put on a Grizzlies uniform. 

Morant was named to the All-NBA Second Team during the 2021-22 season.

5. Pau Gasol

Pau Gasol is one of the most versatile big men of all time with his scoring, playmaking and rebounding abilities.

Gasol is most known for winning two championships with the Los Angeles Lakers, but he had a solid run in Memphis before that, as he has the fourth-most points, second-most blocks and third-most rebounds in franchise history.

6. Jaren Jackson Jr. 

Jaren Jackson Jr. is quietly one of the best players in the league, as he can give you 20 points per game while anchoring your defence.

Jackson Jr. earned the 2022-23 Defensive Player of the Year Award.

7. Tony Allen

Tony Allen became known as “The Grindfather” during his time in Memphis, earning three All-Defensive First Team and All-Defensive Second Team selections each.

"He was the only one that wasn't crying for help." 😂

Kobe says Tony Allen (by far) was the toughest defender for him. Respect. pic.twitter.com/q1FPdCT1wC

— SLAM (@SLAMonline) October 9, 2018

Kobe Bryant once declared Allen the toughest defender he ever faced.