The Memphis Grizzlies organization began a new era when Jerry West was introduced as the team’s president of basketball operation in 2002. When he returned from retirement as the Los Angeles Lakers executive vice president of basketball operations, he set a new goal: to build the Grizzlies into one of the league’s premier franchises. As the team enters their third season under West, he appears to be on pace to achieve that goal. Last season, the Grizzlies won 50 games, earning their first-ever winning record, and more importantly, the first playoff berth in franchise history. West was recognized after the season with the NBA’s Executive of the Year Award, the second time in his career he has won the prestigious award.
