Celebrating the best players and moments of the last 10 years of Memphis Grizzlies basketball

Locked On Grizzlies - Daily Podcast On The Memphis Grizzlies38mJune 16, 2026
AI-Generated Summary

The Locked On Grizzlies podcast celebrates its 10th anniversary with a special retrospective on the Memphis Grizzlies' most iconic players and moments from the last decade. Hosts Joe Mullinax and DeMichael Cole rank John Morant as the top player of the era, praising his electrifying play, cultural impact, and peak performance when ESPN ranked him ninth in the NBA. They highlight Ja’s 52-point explosion against the Spurs, his triple-double in the Timberwolves series, and his fearless leadership that inspired a generation of fans. The list also honors key contributors like Tyus Jones, Marc Gasol, Mike Conley, and Jaron Jackson Jr., whose growth from raw talent to creative scorer symbolized the team’s evolution. The episode then shifts to unforgettable moments: Marcus Smart’s overtime dagger in 2017, the 'Take that for data' catchphrase from David Fisdale, and the Grizzlies’ defiant soundbites against LeBron James. These moments, captured in locker room celebrations and viral quotes, defined a unique era of grit, identity, and unapologetic swagger. The hosts reflect on how the podcast network helped shape this narrative, celebrating not just basketball, but a community built around shared passion and resilience.

Key Takeaways
1

Rank John Morant as the #1 Memphis Grizzlies player of the last decade due to his peak performance, cultural impact, and 52-point game against the Spurs.

2

Tyus Jones earned a top-10 spot for his calm leadership and clutch play during Ja Morant’s injuries, including a 20-4 win streak as starter.

3

Marc Gasol and Mike Conley were pivotal in transitioning the Grizzlies from Grit and Grind to the Next Gen era, enabling future trades and roster development.

4

Jaron Jackson Jr. evolved from a limited scorer to one of the league’s best isolation players, proving growth through physical and mental development.

5

The Grizzlies’ 2022-23 playoff run against the Timberwolves was defined by grit, trash talk, and celebration—symbolized by the 'running up the chimney' phrase.

…and 3 more takeaways available in PodZeus

Chapters
0:00
1 min

Celebrating 10 Years of Locked On Podcast Network

The episode opens with a tribute to the 10-year anniversary of the Locked On Podcast Network, setting the tone for a special edition focused on Memphis Grizzlies history.

1:20
2 min

Introducing the Top 10 Players of the Last Decade

The peak of the Grizz Next Gen era was up there with just about anything Grit and Grind did.

Highlight
3:41
9 min

Ranking the Top 10 Players: From Tyus Jones to Ja Morant

The hosts detail their rankings, highlighting Tyus Jones as a 'calm substitute teacher,' Jonas Valanciunas' offensive dominance, and the defensive impact of Steven Adams and Brandon Clark.

12:14
11 min

Top 4: Conley, Gasol, Jackson Jr., and Morant

He was rated as the ninth best player in the entire league. And he said, I got eight more spots to go.

Highlight
23:11
3 min

Top 10 Moments: A Nostalgic Journey

The hosts transition to recounting their favorite moments from the last 10 years, not in order, but with emotional and cultural significance.

High-Impact Quotes
He was rated as the ninth best player in the entire league. And he said, I got eight more spots to go.
DeMichael Cole22:19
The peak of the Grizz Next Gen era was up there with just about anything Grit and Grind did.
Joe Mullinax18:31
And Ja says, you know, like, we running up the chimney. We ain't took it no smoke.
John Morant33:01
Speakers

Hosts

Joe MullinaxDeMichael Cole
Topics Discussed
memphis grizzlies players95%grizzlies top 10 moments90%ja morant era88%grizzlies culture85%locked on podcast network80%grizzlies team identity75%memphis grizzlies history70%grizzlies draft prospects65%
People & Brands

John Morant

person

22xPositive

Locked On Podcast Network

organization

18xPositive

Joe Mullinax

person

15xNeutral

DeMichael Cole

person

14xNeutral

Jaron Jackson Jr.

person

13xPositive

Marc Gasol

person

12xPositive

Mike Conley

person

10xPositive

Tyus Jones

person

8xPositive

Desmond Bain

person

7xPositive

Brandon Clark

person

6xPositive

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