Imitation isn’t always a form of flattery. An example of imitation that is flattering would be if the New York Knicks modeled their future on the Memphis Grizzlies’ recent success. An example that isn’t flattering is the Grizzlies’ playoff slogan.
Remember last year when New York clinched a spot in the playoffs and dubbed ‘We here’ as its playoff slogan? Apparently, Memphis doesn’t.
The Grizzlies made it past the Timberwolves in the first round of the playoffs to advance to the second round for the first time since the 2014-15 season. When you pair that fact with Ja Morant, there’s plenty for Memphis fans to be riled up about.
However, the Grizzlies staff could’ve been a bit more original when it came to their slogan for the postseason. Both teams were first-round exits in the 2021 playoffs, but the Knicks were still here first thanks to Julius Randle.
Memphis Grizzlies copies New York Knicks’ “We here” playoff slogan
Memphis should’ve let Tee Morant, the father of Ja Morant, pick what was printed out on the towels that were laid on every seat at FedEx Forum on Sunday afternoon.
bring the energy 〽️ pic.twitter.com/okQVhYNdkA
— Memphis Grizzlies (@memgrizz) May 1, 2022
What an interesting choice of words. Perhaps that’s why the Grizzlies were unable to overcome the Warriors in Game 1 and suffered a narrow 117-116 loss.
Maybe Memphis is hinting at something that could take place this summer… a Randle trade? If the Grizzlies are going to use his words, they must be interested in pursuing him and his large contract, right? Wrong. Clearly, the team that finished 56-26 in the regular season, the second-best in the NBA, doesn’t need Randle.
Randle might find it flattering though. He wasn’t able to lead New York to a second consecutive playoff berth, but at least he’s still somehow made an appearance in the playoffs.
If only Randle had copyrighted those two simple words, he could be making a lot more money than he already is. Oh well, there’s enough time to think of something new between now and the 2022 playoffs. But in the meantime, it’s New York, we here and not Memphis, we here.
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