Farewells are never easy, but Memphis found it simpler to say farewell to these players.
When it comes to former Grizzlies players, the fan base is incredibly forgiving. Fans are fast to warm up to a player if they demonstrate an interest in and commitment to the team’s and city’s culture.
Having said that, it’s hard to imagine applauding for some of their former players if they were to rejoin the squad.
If the following players were to return to the Grizzlies, the fan base would have to wait a bit to forgive them for leaving on a fairly bitter note.
1. Luke Kennard
One of the best shooters in NBA history was acquired by the team at the 2023 NBA trade deadline and proceeded to shoot his highest percentage from three with any team (46.2%).
However, his volume of only five attempts per game with Memphis took a dip last season when he only attempted four per game.
By the end of the season, Kennard was only getting cardio, as he was hesitant to let it fly from beyond the arc for a team that needed and wanted that from him.
A player who can shoot like he can will always be welcomed by any team, but Grizzlies fans would have a hard time accepting him back with the last impression they have of him.
2. Steven Adams
Adams was reviled by Grizzlies fans during his tenure with the Oklahoma City Thunder, particularly for instigating Zach Randolph’s reaction to a foul that led to Randolph’s suspension for a crucial Game 7 of the 2014 first-round playoff series.
His acquisition in 2021 altered their perception of him with his charisma and forceful play on the court.
Unfortunately, he infuriated his fan following by choosing not to undergo surgery for the knee injury he sustained in January 2023.
Because of the injury, he was unable to play the remainder of that season and would have to have surgery in order to play in the 2023–24 season.
He underwent surgery and did not reappear in Memphis with the franchise until the 2024 NBA trade deadline, when he was traded.
3. Marcus Smart
Smart’s tenure with the Grizzlies was quick and didn’t have anything to show for it. He was often injured and was noticeably out of shape to begin each of his two seasons with the team before being traded at the 2025 NBA trade deadline. The reality is that Smart might be the same player he was with the Boston Celtics, but not appearing to give effort into his body will always be a stain on him in the eyes of the Grizzlies fan base.
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