Original Vancouver Grizzlies jerseys are making a comeback
The Vancouver Grizzlies now call Memphis home, but the NBA team’s Canadian roots still live on.
This year, Memphis’ NBA franchise is paying homage to its Vancouver origins by unveiling a special 30th Anniversary Classic Edition uniform as a tribute to the teamās birth in British Columbia.
On Friday, the team released a promo video on social media, unveiling their throwback uniforms, along with a new court design reminiscent of the Grizzlies’ Vancouver era (1995-2000).
A history we will wear.
A history we will play on.@robinhoodapp | See more: https://t.co/7S6IsAM2sL pic.twitter.com/VZTj7Ma0I9— Memphis Grizzlies (@memgrizz) September 20, 2024
Kicking off their first rebrand ahead of the 2000-01 campaign, the Grizzlies will wear their original home white jerseys for the first time since introducing them in their inaugural 1995-96 season.
The vibrant threads, which include turquoise, bronze, red, and black, feature the classic Grizzlies logo, along with the original “Clawball” and “G-Swipe” marks, outlined by a native Pacific Northwest pattern.
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So far, reactions to the jersey revival on social media have been overwhelmingly positive.
Jerseys are š„
ā āg (@LegacyGiannis) September 20, 2024
Love itš
ā Kim Weaver (@kimweaver21) September 20, 2024
That’s a beauty right there
ā TOM (@Tom01cat) September 20, 2024
On of the coolest jerseys ever
ā Pete (@Pete_Martuneac) September 20, 2024
However, some Vancouver fans are not thrilled at the appropriation of their defunct franchise.
Move back to Vancouver or stop using our damn name
ā Fancouver (@Fancouver_) September 20, 2024
Nice but can I have my team back š
ā Whale Enthusiastš³ (@MustardSports) September 20, 2024
This is not the first time Memphis hasĀ returned to its predecessor’s look, though. In 2019, the teamĀ brought the iconic teal jerseys back fromĀ extinction, wearing Vancouver Classic Edition uniforms for select games in honour of their 20th season in Memphis.
Memphis kicks off its preseason on October 7 against the Dallas Mavericks, with regular-season action starting on October 23 in Utah against the Jazz.
Fans will receive a special treat on October 26: The first 10,000 in attendance at the game will receive a reversible bucket hat inspired by the teamās vintage look.