How did grizzlies team get their name?

The Memphis Grizzlies originally played in Vancouver, Canada, and were named after the area's association with grizzly bears, a prominent wildlife species in British Columbia. When the team relocated to Memphis in 2001, they retained the "Grizzlies" name despite the absence of grizzly bears in Tennessee. The name reflects the team's origins while also serving as a unique and memorable identity in the NBA.