Since the “Grit-‘N’-Grind” era of Memphis Grizzlies basketball has come and gone, a handful of former NBA All-Stars have donned a Grizzlies uniform.
In the summer of 2008, the Grizzlies acquired three-time All-Star Antoine Walker as a component within a blockbuster trade, which also landed them a young O.J. Mayo. Walker received an audition in training camp and preseason play, and ultimately earned a spot on the final roster prior to the start of the 2008-09 regular season. Memphis’ Front Office wanted to have him around for his veteran leadership presence; Walker wanted to play.