1999–2000 Vancouver Grizzlies season


The 1999–2000 NBA season was the Grizzlies' 5th season in the National Basketball Association. After finishing the lockout season with the worst record, the Grizzlies selected Steve Francis with the second pick in the 1999 NBA draft. However, Francis refused to play for the Canadian team, and was later on traded to the Houston Rockets for Othella Harrington and second-year guard Michael Dickerson, who would reunite with former Arizona teammate, and second-year star Mike Bibby. Francis would be named Rookie of The Year along with Elton Brand of the Chicago Bulls.
During the offseason, the Grizzlies signed free agents Grant Long and Dennis Scott. The team still struggled posting an 11-game losing streak after a 3–3 start, as head coach Brian Hill was fired and replaced with Lionel Hollins after 22 games. The Grizzlies lost 14 of their 15 games in March, finishing last place in the Midwest Division with a 22–60 record. Shareef Abdur-Rahim continued to lead the team in scoring, rebounding and blocks. Following the season, Scott was traded along with Cherokee Parks to the Washington Wizards, but was released and then retired, and Hollins was fired as coach.

Offseason

Draft

The Grizzlies originally had three picks entering the Draft. Steve Francis was the 2nd overall pick in the 1999 NBA draft from the University of Maryland. Francis most notably cried after being chosen by Vancouver, swearing the Chicago Bulls would regret selecting Elton Brand first overall instead. Following Vancouver's draft, Francis publicly announced that he did not want to play for the Grizzlies, citing the distance from his Maryland home, taxes, endorsements, and God's will. Francis was heavily criticized for his antics, especially in Vancouver. Following his public outburst, Francis was traded to the Houston Rockets that summer in a three-team, 11-player deal that brought Michael Dickerson, Othella Harrington, Antoine Carr, Brent Price, plus first- and second-round picks to the Grizzlies. He and Brand shared Rookie of the Year honors.
Obinna Ekezie from the University of Maryland was their second pick. Their final pick in the draft was Antwain Smith from the Saint Paul's College.
RoundPickPlayerPositionNationalityCollege
12Steve FrancisPGUnited StatesMaryland
237Obinna EkezieC/PFMaryland
251Antwain SmithSFUnited StatesSaint Paul's College

Roster

Roster notes

Season standings

Record vs. opponents

Player statistics

Season