NBA Playoffs 2023: Why are the Memphis Grizzlies in the Western Conference?
If you take a look at a map of the U.S.A. it won’t take you long to realize that Memphis is far more east than it is west. So, why are the Grizzlies in the Western Conference?
Though many have pondered the question, the answer as to why the Memphis Grizzlies play in the Western Conference is actually quite simple and one that is rooted in the origins of the franchise, during a time before they were based in Tennessee.
The Memphis Grizzlies were the Vancouver Grizzlies
As you probably know, the Memphis Grizzlies are in the Western Conference, with the National Basketball Association (NBA) being divided into two conferences, the Eastern Conference and the Western Conference. Each conference has three divisions, with the Grizzlies playing in the Southwest Division of the Western Conference. This division also includes the Dallas Mavericks, Houston Rockets, New Orleans Pelicans, San Antonio Spurs, and the Denver Nuggets.
Now, you may be asking how can it be that the Grizzlies play in the west, when the state that they reside in is actually very much in the east. The answer to that question is simply because the Grizzlies were once based in Vancouver which is as West as you can be without ending up in the Pacific Ocean. To that end, the Grizzlies actually played in the Midwest division until 2004, when they were reassigned to the Southwest division where they continue to play to this day. There have of course been some arguments made for moving Memphis to the Eastern conference, however, this would likely hinge on another expansion team or moving some other team from one conference to the other, neither of which seems probable at this stage.
The Memphis Grizzlies today
Led by the sensational Ja Morant, the Grizzlies have turned themselves into one of the league’s hottest up and coming teams today. Currently tied 1-1 in their opening round playoff series against the Los Angeles Lakers, the Grizzlies will be looking to deliver on their obvious potential when they take on LeBron and Co. on Sunday night. The major problem, however, is that with the aforementioned Morant struggling with a hand injury and the Lakers on the rise, it’s going to be complicated. That said, this is the team that pushed the defending champion Golden State Warriors to the brink last year, and with reports suggesting that Morant could in fact play in Game 3, they’re probably worth keeping an eye on.