There’s an old saying in sports that records are meant to be broken. While that is true for most, many records stand the test of time.
Joe DiMaggio’s MLB 56-game hitting streak from 1941 remains safe and is arguably one of the most unbreakable records in American sports. At one point, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar’s NBA scoring record seemed untouchable until LeBron James set a new standard.
The Memphis Grizzlies have been in town since the 2001-02 season, but the franchise dates to 1995-96. Many of the records have been set by players such as Mike Conley, Zach Randolph and Marc Gasol because of their longevity with the team. When Ja Morant and Jaren Jackson Jr. broke into the league with the Grizzlies, there was the idea that many of those records could
come crashing down.
That wasn’t the case.
Jackson and Morant were recently traded, meaning neither player spent enough time in Memphis to challenge most of the franchise’s longstanding records.
Now, a new group of Grizzlies players is in Memphis. Here’s a look at some of the individual franchise records that are likely — or unlikely — to be broken.
Most unbreakable
Mike Conley, all-time assists
Conley’s longevity (2007-19) as the Grizzlies’ starting point guard, combined with his effectiveness, will make this record difficult for any player to break.
Conley has 4,509 career assists with Memphis, 1,870 more than Gasol, who is second with 2,639. Morant is third with 2,428.
The gap between Conley and Gasol is roughly the same as the gap between Gasol and 10th place.
A player would need both good health and a sustainable career to have a chance at the record. If a player averages 75 games and eight assists per game, it would take about eight seasons to reach Conley’s mark.
That’s a lot to ask.
Luke Kennard, 3-point percentage
Kennard ended his three-year Grizzlies career as a 46.2% 3-point shooter. His accuracy, in large part, came from his ability to take comfortable shots. He was often asked to shoot more in Memphis, which arguably would have resulted in a lower percentage.
Cam Spencer is second in Grizzlies history at 43.8%. As remarkable of a shooter as he has been, he has his work cut out to catch Kennard.
Spencer made 146 3-pointers last season. If he makes 148 this season, he would need to shoot 49.3% to move past Kennard.
For context, Kennard led the NBA in 3-point percentage last season while with the Los Angeles Lakers at 47.8%.
Minutes per game
This is one of those old-school stats that doesn’t make much sense in today’s NBA.
Shareef Abdur-Rahim averaged 38 minutes per game during his five-year Grizzlies career in Vancouver.
Many players today are load-managed because of injuries and the demands of the schedule. No Grizzlies player has averaged more than 35 minutes per game since the 2012-13 season.
The game has changed too much for this record to be considered particularly vulnerable.
Breakable records
3-point field goals
Like the minutes-per-game record, this one is included in part because of how much the game has changed.
More teams and players are shooting 3-pointers than ever, which means the Grizzlies’ next all-time 3-point leader already could be on the roster.
Conley holds the record with 1,086 makes. Mike Miller is second with 844, while Desmond Bane is third with 812.
If Bane had played two more seasons in Memphis, he likely would have challenged — and potentially surpassed — Conley’s record.
Jaylen Wells had more than 100 made 3-pointers in each of his first two seasons. With some longevity and a few more solid shooting seasons, he could make a run at the record.
Triple-doubles
Morant had 12 career triple-doubles to lead the Grizzlies. Gasol is next with five.
The NBA continues to place more value on versatility, with players who can score, rebound, pass and defend becoming increasingly important.
The Grizzlies may have one of those players in former No. 3 overall pick Cam Boozer. He would need to average just three triple-doubles per season in five seasons to reach 15 and take the franchise record.
If his all-around game translates to the NBA, this is one record that could fall sooner rather than later.
Damichael Cole is the Memphis Grizzlies beat writer for The Commercial Appeal. Contact Damichael at damichael.cole@commercialappeal.com. Follow Damichael on X, formerly known as Twitter, @DamichaelC.
This article originally appeared on Memphis Commercial Appeal: Some Memphis Grizzlies all-time records are safe. Here are ones that aren't
