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Memphis Grizzlies will throw it back with retro Vancouver jerseys in 2019-20

Chase Kell
18 Nov 1997: Guard Antonio Daniels of the Vancouver Grizzlies in action during a game against the Denver Nuggets at the McNichols Sports Arena in Denver, Colorado. The Grizzlies won the game 102-91. Mandatory Credit: Brian Bahr /Allsport
The Memphis Grizzlies with be feeling that old Vancouver vibe in 2019-20. (Brian Bahr /Allsport)

The Memphis Grizzlies will be feeling that old Vancouver vibe in 2019-20.

A little more than two months before the regular season begins, the Grizzlies announced that they’ll be throwing it back with a couple of retro jerseys as the organization celebrates its 25th anniversary.

The celebration, which will reportedly span the next two seasons, will in part pay homage to the five seasons that the team spent in British Columbia.

“This season’s Vancouver Classic Edition uniforms will not only feature the iconic ‘teal’ base, but it will also stay true to its classic design with the native Canadian Pacific Northwest pattern outlining the uniform,” the Grizzlies stated in a press release. “The original Grizzlies wordmark will be displayed across the chest while the Grizzlies’ first iconic bear logo sits on the leg of the shorts.”

The Vancouver Grizzlies joined the NBA — along with the Toronto Raptors — in 1995 as the league tried to bolster its fanbase with two new teams north of the border. The team relocated to Memphis after the 2001-2002 season.

Phase two of the Grizzlies’ celebratory plans will kick off in 2020-21, which will mark their 20th season playing in Memphis. As a tribute, the team is planning to rock the famous black road uniforms from their first few seasons in Tennessee. The Grizzlies also rocked these uniforms during their final season in Vancouver.

WASHINGTON - DECEMBER 18: Guard Jason Williams #2 of the Memphis Grizzlies eyes the play as he drives against guard Larry Hughes #20 of the Washington Wizards during the game at MCI Center on December 18, 2002 in Washington, DC. The Wizards won 118-100. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Doug Pensinger/Getty Images)
Jason Williams of the Memphis Grizzlies eyes the play as he drives against guard Larry Hughes during the game at MCI Center on December 18, 2002. (Photo by Doug Pensinger/Getty Images)

“The opportunity to connect the history of our franchise over two consecutive seasons deserved a special approach,” said Grizzlies Team President Jason Wexler in the press release. “It was an easy decision to bring back the iconic teal uniforms for the upcoming 25th Season of the Franchise and give our fans the classic look from the Vancouver era that they love.

“Looking ahead to next season, we get to celebrate the 20th Season of the Grizzlies in Memphis with the Memphis Classic uniform, worn when the team first moved to Grind City.”

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