1996–97 Vancouver Grizzlies season

NBA professional basketball team season From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

The 1996–97 Vancouver Grizzlies season was the second season for the Vancouver Grizzlies in the National Basketball Association.[1] Coming off of finishing with the league's worst record at 15–67 in their inaugural season, the Grizzlies received the third overall pick in the 1996 NBA draft, and selected small forward Shareef Abdur-Rahim from the University of California, and also selected power forward Roy Rogers from the University of Alabama with the 22nd overall pick.[2][3][4] During the off-season, the team acquired Anthony Peeler and George Lynch from the Los Angeles Lakers,[5][6][7] and signed free agents Lee Mayberry and Pete Chilcutt.[8][9]

Head coachBrian Winters (8–35) (fired)
Stu Jackson (6–33)
General managerStu Jackson
OwnersArthur Griffiths
ArenaGeneral Motors Place
Quick facts Vancouver Grizzlies season, Head coach ...
1996–97 Vancouver Grizzlies season
Head coachBrian Winters (8–35) (fired)
Stu Jackson (6–33)
General managerStu Jackson
OwnersArthur Griffiths
ArenaGeneral Motors Place
Results
Record14–68 (.171)
PlaceDivision: 7th (Midwest)
Conference: 14th (Western)
Playoff finishDid not qualify
Stats at Basketball Reference
Local media
TelevisionBCTV
Showcase
RadioCKNW
< 1995–96 1997–98 >
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However, despite the addition of Abdur-Rahim, Peeler and Lynch, the Grizzlies continued to struggle in their second season, losing their first seven games of the regular season, and then later on posting an eight-game losing streak in January. Head coach Brian Winters was fired after an 8–35 start to the season, and was replaced with General Manager Stu Jackson as an interim coach.[10][11][12] Under Jackson, the Grizzlies held a 9–42 record at the All-Star break,[13] suffered a 15-game losing streak between February and March,[14] and then posted a nine-game losing streak between March and April, finishing in last place in the Midwest Division with a league-worst 14–68 record, which was their worst record in franchise history.[15]

Abdur-Rahim averaged 18.7 points and 6.9 rebounds per game, and was named to the NBA All-Rookie First Team, while second-year star Bryant Reeves showed improvement averaging 16.2 points and 8.1 rebounds per game, and Peeler provided the team with 14.5 points, 3.6 assists and 1.5 steals per game, and led them with 128 three-point field goals. In addition, Greg Anthony contributed 9.5 points, 6.3 assists and 2.0 steals per game, while Lynch provided with 8.3 points, 6.4 rebounds and 1.5 steals per game, but only played just 41 games due to an abdominal strain injury,[16][17] and Blue Edwards provided with 7.8 points per game. Meanwhile second-year guard Lawrence Moten contributed 6.7 points per game, Rogers averaged 6.6 points, 4.7 rebounds and 2.0 blocks per game, Mayberry provided with 5.1 points and 4.1 assists per game, and rookie shooting guard, and second-round draft pick Chris Robinson contributed 4.6 points per game.[18]

During the NBA All-Star weekend at the Gund Arena in Cleveland, Ohio, Abdur-Rahim and Rogers were both selected for the NBA Rookie Game, as members of the Western Conference Rookie team. Abdur-Rahim scored 17 points as the Western Conference lost to the Eastern Conference, 96–91.[19][20][21] Abdur-Rahim also finished in third place in Rookie of the Year voting.[22][23] The Grizzlies finished 17th in the NBA in home-game attendance, with an attendance of 683,442 at General Motors Place during the regular season.[18][24]

Following the season, Anthony signed as a free agent with the Seattle SuperSonics,[25][26] while Jackson was fired as head coach,[27] Rogers was traded to the Boston Celtics,[28][29] and Moten and Eric Mobley were both released to free agency.

Draft picks

The Grizzlies first draft pick was Shareef Abdur-Rahim, which was the third overall pick in the draft.

More information Round, Pick ...
Round Pick Player Position Nationality College
1 3 Shareef Abdur-Rahim Forward  United States University of California
1 22 Roy Rogers Forward  United States University of Alabama
2 51 Chris Robinson Guard  United States Western Kentucky University
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Roster

More information Players, Coaches ...
1996–97 Vancouver Grizzlies roster
Players Coaches
Pos. No. Player Height Weight DOB From
F 3 Shareef Abdur-Rahim 6 ft 9 in (2.06 m) 225 lb (102 kg) –– California
G 2 Greg Anthony 6 ft 0 in (1.83 m) 176 lb (80 kg) –– UNLV
F 33 Pete Chilcutt 6 ft 10 in (2.08 m) 230 lb (104 kg) –– North Carolina
G/F 30 Blue Edwards 6 ft 4 in (1.93 m) 200 lb (91 kg) –– East Carolina
F 32 Doug Edwards Injured (IN) 6 ft 7 in (2.01 m) 220 lb (100 kg) –– Florida State
C 55 Eric Leckner 6 ft 11 in (2.11 m) 265 lb (120 kg) –– Wyoming
F 34 George Lynch Injured 6 ft 8 in (2.03 m) 218 lb (99 kg) –– North Carolina
G 11 Lee Mayberry 6 ft 1 in (1.85 m) 172 lb (78 kg) –– Arkansas
C 52 Eric Mobley Injured 6 ft 11 in (2.11 m) 235 lb (107 kg) –– Pittsburgh
G 21 Lawrence Moten 6 ft 5 in (1.96 m) 185 lb (84 kg) –– Syracuse
G 7 Anthony Peeler 6 ft 4 in (1.93 m) 208 lb (94 kg) –– Missouri
C 50 Bryant Reeves 7 ft 0 in (2.13 m) 290 lb (132 kg) –– Oklahoma State
G 5 Chris Robinson 6 ft 5 in (1.96 m) 200 lb (91 kg) –– Western Kentucky
F 44 Roy Rogers 6 ft 10 in (2.08 m) 235 lb (107 kg) –– Alabama
F 15 Aaron Williams 6 ft 9 in (2.06 m) 220 lb (100 kg) –– Xavier
Head coach
Assistant(s)
Legend
  • (DP) Unsigned draft pick
  • (FA) Free agent
  • (S) Suspended
  • (IN) Inactive
  • Injured Injured

Roster

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Roster notes

Regular season

The Grizzlies would open the season with a seven-game losing streak before earning their first win, as they defeated the Phoenix Suns 92–89 in their eighth game. Wins would be few and far between for Vancouver, as they finished the season with a 14–68 record, which was one game worse than their expansion season. The Grizzlies also once again finished in last place in the league.

Highs

  • The Grizzlies swept a season series for the first time in team history, as they won both of their games against the Boston Celtics. The win against the Celtics was also the only time the Grizzlies won consecutive games during the season, as they defeated the San Antonio Spurs the previous game.
  • Vancouver scored a season high 121 points in their final game of the season, as they defeated the Phoenix Suns 121–107.

Lows

  • The Grizzlies lose their first seven games of the season, including a double OT loss to the Los Angeles Clippers in their seventh game.
  • Vancouver gives up a season high 127 points in a 127–80 loss to the Indiana Pacers on December 4, 1996.
  • After a 95–76 loss against the Minnesota Timberwolves on January 23, 1997, Vancouver fires head coach Brian Winters and general manager Stu Jackson takes over for the remainder of the season.
  • On March 19, 1997, the Grizzlies lose their season high fifteenth straight game, as the Minnesota Timberwolves defeat Vancouver 95–72.

Season standings

More information W, L ...
Midwest Division
 W L PCT GB Home Road Div
y-Utah Jazz 6418.780–38–326–1519–5
x-Houston Rockets 5725.695730–1127–1419–5
x-Minnesota Timberwolves 4042.4882425–1615–2616–8
Dallas Mavericks 2458.2934014–2710–319–15
Denver Nuggets 2161.2564312–299–327–17
San Antonio Spurs 2062.2444412–298–338–16
Vancouver Grizzlies 1468.171508–336–356–18
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More information #, Team ...
1996–97 NBA West standings
#
Western Conference
Team W L PCT GB
1 c-Utah Jazz6418.780–
2 y-Seattle SuperSonics5725.6957
3 x-Houston Rockets5725.6957
4 x-Los Angeles Lakers5626.6838
5 x-Portland Trail Blazers4933.59815
6 x-Minnesota Timberwolves4042.48824
7 x-Phoenix Suns4042.48824
8 x-Los Angeles Clippers3646.43928
9 Sacramento Kings3448.41530
10 Golden State Warriors3052.36634
11 Dallas Mavericks2458.29340
12 Denver Nuggets2161.25643
13 San Antonio Spurs2062.24444
14 Vancouver Grizzlies1468.17150
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Game log

#DateOpponentScoreRecordAttendance
1November 1Portland Trail Blazers85–1140–119,193
2November 3Golden State Warriors95–1050–215,781
3November 5@ Chicago Bulls73–960–323,726
4November 6@ Milwaukee Bucks89–1050–413,689
5November 8@ Cleveland Cavaliers72–880–513,691
6November 10New York Knicks82–1010–617,356
7November 12Los Angeles Clippers92–99 (2OT)0–714,259
8November 14Phoenix Suns92–891–715,158
9November 15@ Utah Jazz96–1041–819,046
10November 17@ Seattle SuperSonics81–911–917,072
11November 18Sacramento Kings83–841–1014,672
12November 20Miami Heat75–941–1115,054
13November 24San Antonio Spurs96–912–1115,874
14November 26@ Atlanta Hawks80–1012–126,957
15November 27@ Detroit Pistons78–872–1315,195
16November 29@ Indiana Pacers94–1042–1415,488
17November 30@ Philadelphia 76ers90–962–1513,038
18December 3Indiana Pacers80–1272–1615,699
19December 6@ San Antonio Spurs105–893–1613,646
20December 7@ Dallas Mavericks85–963–1715,102
21December 9Charlotte Hornets91–1073–1815,780
22December 12@ Portland Trail Blazers78–993–1920,042
23December 13Orlando Magic95–934–1915,954
24December 15@ Phoenix Suns84–1034–2019,023
25December 17Houston Rockets93–925–2016,205
26December 19Dallas Mavericks98–1055–2115,049
27December 20@ Denver Nuggets93–1085–2210,020
28December 22Washington Bullets91–876–2215,751
29December 26@ Sacramento Kings88–1116–2317,317
30December 28Phoenix Suns98–1036–2416,757
31December 30San Antonio Spurs88–956–2515,749
32January 3Seattle SuperSonics94–1086–2619,193
33January 5Los Angeles Lakers82–956–2719,193
34January 8@ Golden State Warriors109–957–2712,819
35January 9Golden State Warriors86–1047–2815,454
36January 11Sacramento Kings101–1097–2916,092
37January 14@ Los Angeles Lakers81–917–3015,606
38January 15Detroit Pistons79–1037–3116,059
39January 17Utah Jazz68–1067–3215,173
40January 19Toronto Raptors100–928–3217,474
41January 20@ Seattle SuperSonics96–1128–3317,072
42January 22@ Denver Nuggets84–948–348,422
43January 23Minnesota Timberwolves76–958–3515,282
44January 25Denver Nuggets82–838–3617,102
45January 27@ Golden State Warriors97–1228–3712,839
46January 28Chicago Bulls96–1118–3819,193
47January 30@ Los Angeles Clippers94–1008–395,122
48January 31Atlanta Hawks76–878–4015,205
49February 2@ Boston Celtics102–929–4015,737
50February 4@ New Jersey Nets105–1119–4110,990
51February 6@ Minnesota Timberwolves86–1039–4214,277
52February 11@ Houston Rockets97–1069–4316,285
53February 12@ San Antonio Spurs106–10110–4312,463
54February 14Boston Celtics109–10611–4317,434
55February 17Dallas Mavericks95–10011–4415,540
56February 19Minnesota Timberwolves73–8411–4515,729
57February 21@ Los Angeles Lakers91–9911–4617,031
58February 23Cleveland Cavaliers84–9111–4715,536
59February 26Los Angeles Clippers80–8311–4815,619
60February 28Philadelphia 76ers100–10411–4917,463
61March 2Utah Jazz86–9311–5016,415
62March 6New Jersey Nets96–10211–5116,673
63March 9@ Toronto Raptors77–8111–5219,186
64March 11@ Charlotte Hornets92–9811–5324,042
65March 12@ Washington Bullets82–10411–5411,007
66March 14@ Miami Heat82–8811–5514,728
67March 16@ Orlando Magic89–10011–5617,248
68March 18@ New York Knicks73–9811–5719,763
69March 19@ Minnesota Timberwolves72–9511–5813,368
70March 21Denver Nuggets108–10112–5819,193
71March 23Seattle SuperSonics92–10612–5917,645
72March 25@ Los Angeles Clippers104–110 (OT)12–605,528
73March 27Los Angeles Lakers98–102 (OT)12–6118,722
74March 28@ Portland Trail Blazers81–11512–6220,865
75April 1Milwaukee Bucks91–10212–6317,193
76April 4@ Utah Jazz79–10612–6419,911
77April 6Houston Rockets85–9412–6517,356
78April 8@ Sacramento Kings93–10912–6617,317
79April 10@ Houston Rockets94–10212–6716,285
80April 12@ Dallas Mavericks96–8513–6714,060
81April 17Portland Trail Blazers73–10513–6819,193
82April 19@ Phoenix Suns121–10714–6819,023

Player statistics

Ragular season

More information Player, POS ...
Player POS GP GS MP REB AST STL BLK PTS MPG RPG APG SPG BPG PPG
Roy RogersPF 82501,848386462116354322.54.7.6.32.06.6
Shareef Abdur-RahimPF 80712,80255517579791,49435.06.92.21.01.018.7
Lee MayberryPG 80381,95213432960841024.41.74.1.8.15.1
Bryant ReevesC 75752,77761016029671,21337.08.12.1.4.916.2
Anthony PeelerSG 72572,291247256105171,04131.83.43.61.5.214.5
Lawrence MotenSG 67181,214119129482444718.11.81.9.7.46.7
Greg AnthonyPG 65441,863184407129461628.72.86.32.0.19.5
Blue EdwardsSF 61121,439189114382047823.63.11.9.6.37.8
Pete ChilcuttPF 54166215647261718212.32.9.9.5.33.4
George LynchSF 41271,05926176631734225.86.41.91.5.48.3
Chris RobinsonSG 416681716528918816.61.71.6.7.24.6
Aaron Williams†PF 32155313815162619717.34.3.5.5.86.2
Eric MobleyC 28830758145107211.02.1.5.2.42.6
Eric Leckner†C 19111535432346.11.8.2.2.11.8
Rich Manning†PF 16112823231448.01.4.1.2.12.8
Moochie NorrisPG 80891223401211.11.52.9.5.01.5
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  • † Denotes player spent time with another team in the season. Stats reflect time with the Grizzlies only.

Awards and records

Transactions

Vancouver would make a trade with the Los Angeles Lakers, as the Grizzlies would acquire Anthony Peeler and George Lynch along with the Lakers second round draft choices in 1997 and 1998 for Vancouver's second round draft choices in 1997 and 1998. Peeler would start 57 games for the Grizzlies in the 1996–97 season and finish third in team scoring averaging 14.5 points per game.

References

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