6 Basketball Players who Played for Pelicans and Grizzlies
There is a good chance that if you’ve found this page then you’re playing the Immaculate Grid.
That also means that today’s grid has asked for players that have played for both the New Orleans Pelicans and Memphis Grizzlies.
And, it also means that you’re probably stuck on this particular box and you’re looking for a little help. Sound about right so far?
Well, good news, you’re in the right place.
I’ve done some research and have found players who played for both the Pelicans and the Grizzlies.
Jonas Valanciunas
Jonas Valanciunas is a 6’11” center from Lithuania. He was selected 5th overall in the 2011 NBA Draft by the Toronto Raptors. He spent his early NBA career with the Raptors, where he made significant contributions as a solid post-scorer and rebounder.
In the middle of the 2018-19 season, Valanciunas was traded to the Memphis Grizzlies. He continued to demonstrate his strong skills in the paint and rebounding with the Grizzlies.
In 2021, Valanciunas was traded to the New Orleans Pelicans, where he continues to bring his strong interior presence to the team. Over his career, Valanciunas has been recognized as one of the more consistent centers in the league.
Valanciunas Key Stats
- 10+ Rebounds/Game Season (Grizzlies, Pelicans)
Garrett Temple
Garrett Temple was undrafted out of LSU in the 2009 NBA Draft but worked his way into the league and has developed an impressive 13-year career as a journeyman.
He has played for multiple NBA teams (11 in total), including the Houston Rockets, Sacramento Kings, Memphis Grizzlies, Los Angeles Clippers, Washington Wizards, and Brooklyn Nets. His role has primarily been as a defensive specialist and a veteran presence in the locker room.
He’s been a key contributor on many of the teams he’s played on and has even started in almost 300 games in his career.
Chris Andersen
Chris Andersen, commonly known as “Birdman,” debuted in the NBA with the Denver Nuggets in 2001. With his athletic ability, particularly as a shot-blocker and rebounder, Andersen quickly carved out a role for himself. His high-flying dunks and blocks energized both teammates and fans.
However, Andersen faced challenges off the court. In 2006, he was dismissed from the NBA for two years for violating the league’s drug policy. Demonstrating resilience, Andersen used this period to rehabilitate and eventually made a successful return to the NBA with the New Orleans Hornets in 2008.
Perhaps the most memorable stint of his career was with the Miami Heat. Joining the team in 2013, Andersen played a pivotal role off the bench during the Heat’s championship run, helping them secure the NBA title that year.
Lance Stephenson
Selected in the second round of the 2010 NBA Draft by the Indiana Pacers, Lance Stephenson spent the first four seasons of his career in Indiana. His best season came in 2013-14 when he averaged 13.8 points, 7.2 rebounds, and 4.6 assists per game, and led the NBA in triple-doubles (5).
He was a significant contributor to the Pacers teams that made back-to-back Eastern Conference Finals appearances in 2013 and 2014.
Stephenson later played for several other teams, including the Hornets, Clippers, Grizzlies, Pelicans, and Lakers. Despite bouncing around the league, his dynamic playstyle and sometimes flamboyant on-court antics have made him a memorable figure in the NBA.
James Posey
Selected 18th overall by the Denver Nuggets in the 1999 NBA Draft, James Posey’s journey in the league spanned a decade, playing for multiple teams and earning a reputation as a reliable “3-and-D” player before the term became widely popular.
The highlight of Posey’s career came during his stints with the Miami Heat and the Boston Celtics. In Miami, he played a pivotal role in the Heat’s 2006 championship run alongside stars like Dwyane Wade and Shaquille O’Neal.
As a key reserve for Boston, Posey provided crucial defensive stops and timely three-point shooting, helping the Celtics secure the 2008 NBA Championship. His ability to contribute significantly to two different championship teams attests to his value as a player who could impact games without necessarily being in the spotlight.
Omri Casspi
Omri Casspi’s journey to the NBA began when he was selected 23rd overall by the Sacramento Kings in the 2009 NBA Draft. In his debut season, Casspi showcased his offensive talent, earning a spot in the NBA’s Rising Stars Challenge during All-Star weekend.
Throughout his NBA career, Casspi played for various teams, including the Kings, Cavaliers, Rockets, Pelicans, Timberwolves, Warriors, and Grizzlies. While he was primarily utilized as a role player, Casspi was known for his three-point shooting, basketball IQ, and hustle on the court.
Beyond the NBA, Casspi was a key player for the Israeli national team, representing his country in multiple FIBA tournaments and European Championships. His commitment to the growth of basketball in Israel and his trailblazing journey in the NBA has made him an icon in Israeli sports.
