The City of Memphis is celebrating its annual 901 Day as the calendar turns to September.
A major part of Memphis culture is basketball. And for the past 25 years, the Grizzlies have been an enormous part of that.
Since moving to Memphis, the Grizzlies have produced several players and teams that have left meaningful impacts on the city. What makes Memphis unique is that being a special player in the 901 isn’t always about who put together the best numbers. Being memorable is reflected in many ways, including accomplishments on and off the court and the connection a player built with the city.
In honor of 901 Day on Sept. 1, here’s a look at the top nine Grizzlies players of all time. On-court performance, longevity, accomplishments, postseason
success and cultural impact were all factored into the conversation.
Shane Battier and Mike Miller are among the players who just missed the list.
9. Rudy Gay
Rudy Gay’s time in Memphis mostly predates the Grit 'n' Grind era, which can overshadow the impact he made with the franchise.
Gay spent nearly seven seasons with the Grizzlies (2006-13) and averaged 17.9 points per game. He played 479 games for the franchise and remains fifth in Grizzlies history in rebounds with 2,758.
He was one of the team’s primary offensive players during the early Memphis years and helped bridge the Pau Gasol era and the emergence of the Grit 'n' Grind Grizzlies.
His tenure ended when he was traded to the Toronto Raptors.
8. Desmond Bane
Desmond Bane’s 3-point shooting ability, playmaking and confidence made him an ideal backcourt partner alongside Ja Morant during their time together in Memphis.
Bane broke out during his second season (2021-22) and developed into one of the team's most consistent offensive players. He finished his Grizzlies career averaging 17.8 points per game before being traded to the Orlando Magic in 2025.
His tenure wasn’t as long as some of the players ahead of him here, but his role in one of the franchise’s best stretches and his connection with the Memphis fan base helped earn him a spot on this list.
7. Tony Allen
The man who became known as “The Grindfather” is one of the first names that comes to mind when people think about the Grizzlies.
Allen’s relentless defense played a pivotal role in making Memphis one of the NBA’s toughest teams during his seven seasons with the franchise (2010-17). He earned NBA All-Defensive Team honors in six of those seasons, including three first-team selections.
His impact wasn’t always reflected in traditional statistics. His defensive intensity, personality and connection with the city made him one of the defining figures of the Grit 'n' Grind era.
The Grizzlies retired Allen's No. 9 jersey in 2025.
6. Pau Gasol
Pau Gasol represented the first real sign of hope after the Grizzlies moved to Memphis.
Gasol won Rookie of the Year in 2002 and made an All-Star team in 2006 during his seven seasons (2001-08) with the franchise. He averaged 18.8 points and 8.6 rebounds per game and remains third in franchise history in rebounds with 4,096.
His time in Memphis didn’t produce much postseason success, though, and he was traded to the Los Angeles Lakers in 2008.
5. Jaren Jackson Jr.
Jaren Jackson Jr. became one of the most impactful two-way players in Grizzlies history during his nearly eight seasons in Memphis (2018-26).
Jackson made two All-Star teams and won the Defensive Player of the Year award in 2023. His ability to protect the rim, defend multiple positions and stretch the floor made him one of the defining players of the Grizzlies’ next generation.
He was traded to the Utah Jazz in February 2026, ending a tenure in which he established himself as one of the best defensive big men in the NBA.
4. Mike Conley
Mike Conley was the steady catalyst of the Grit 'n' Grind era and the longest-tenured member of the team’s Core Four.
Conley spent 12 seasons (2007-19) with the Grizzlies and remains the franchise leader in games played (788), points (11,733), assists (4,509) and steals (1,161).
He never made an All-Star team while in Memphis, but he was one of the league’s most respected point guards and a critical part of seven consecutive playoff appearances.
Conley’s longevity, leadership and two-way impact make him one of the most important players in franchise history.
3. Ja Morant
Ja Morant is arguably the most nationally recognizable player in Grizzlies history.
The No. 2 overall pick in the 2019 NBA Draft quickly became the face of the franchise, winning Rookie of the Year in 2020 and Most Improved Player in 2022. He also made two All-Star teams during his seven seasons in Memphis before being traded to the Portland Trail Blazers in June 2026.
Morant led the Grizzlies to their most successful regular season in franchise history in 2021-22, when they went 56-26 and earned the No. 2 seed in the Western Conference.
His injuries and limited availability in his final three seasons in Memphis affected his overall standing on this list. Still, his peak and influence on the franchise’s national profile are difficult to overlook.
2. Zach Randolph
Zach Randolph became synonymous with the Grit 'n' Grind era and played a pivotal role in establishing the Grizzlies’ identity in Memphis.
Randolph made two All-Star teams during his eight seasons (2009-17) with the Grizzlies and remains the franchise’s second-leading rebounder with 5,612. He averaged at least 20 points per game twice and averaged double-digit rebounds in five seasons. His physical style, toughness and connection with Memphis made him one of the most beloved players in franchise history.
The Grizzlies retired his No. 50 jersey in 2021.
1. Marc Gasol
Marc Gasol tops the list because of his overall impact and accomplishments with the Grizzlies. He spent 11 seasons in Memphis (2008-2019), made three All-Star teams and won the Defensive Player of the Year award in 2013. He was a central figure in the franchise’s most successful era, helping Memphis reach the playoffs in seven consecutive seasons and make its first Western Conference finals appearance in 2013.
Gasol remains the Grizzlies’ all-time leader in rebounds (5,942), blocks (1,135), minutes played and games started. He also ranks second in franchise history in points, assists and games played.
His No. 33 jersey was retired by the Grizzlies in 2024.
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: For 901 Day, ranking nine players who defined Memphis Grizzlies basketball
