Our Memphis Grizzlies are currently on a run in the NBA Playoffs that is a major surprise to most of the basketball world. These are the same Grizzlies who were maligned almost universally just two years ago; the same team that was rumored to be leaving for a better town (one that would support a perennially losing team). Then we won our first playoff game in San Antonio, sold out the home games, kept winning more than losing, making so much noise at games and in games that we became the darlings of Memphians and maybe even the national media. “Believe Memphis” became our motto, and we sold out a home playoff game against the Oklahoma Thunder in five minutes. FIVE MINUTES!
The team has been transformed overnight into a team known for its toughness and never-give-up attitude. One national headline said that Memphis was playing like a team that’s been here before. This was a team whose star player, Zack Randolph–“Z-Bo”, was labeled a “thug.” Its worst offensive player, Tony Allen, was the inspirational leader (because of his “like white on rice” defense). Its most versatile player, Rudy Gay, was sidelined with injury. Its anchor, Marc Gasol, was once a giant soft boy from Spain and Memphis. Its on-the-court leader was only recently about to be declared a bust. Its substitutes, who were the worst in the league as recently as last year, were now one of the best second teams in the league. Where did this come from?
It came out of the blue, as if there was some magical touch.
Half of my counseling sessions now begin with a short discussion about the Grizzlies, and I know why. They represent hope and change. From a dysfunctional, half-depressed team (and town) to a self-actualizing, confident community in a span only a few discerning fans could see happening. Isn’t this what we all want? Can’t we change what ails us?
Just look at the Grizzlies and the answer is YES! Hang in there; get down and gritty. Work as a team; move from group to true community; don’t ever give up. Someday in its own time, in its own way, the real team, the real person, will emerge from potential to actuality.
No one knows if the Grizzlies will become champions, and we (Memphians) can’t say we don’t care. Of course we want them to go all the way. And as good as they appear to be, so are other teams, and we’d be surprised if they go much further in these playoffs. But they’ve sure made their mark. For now, once again, we believe. We have hope. We KNOW change can happen, seemingly overnight.