2004–05 Memphis Grizzlies season
The 2004–05 NBA season was the Grizzlies' tenth season in the National Basketball Association, and their fourth season in Memphis, Tennessee. Coming off their first playoff appearance in franchise history, the Grizzlies had a new look and moved into their new arena, the FedExForum. However, the team struggled with a 5–7 start as 71-year-old Hubie Brown retired from coaching due to "unexpected health problems". The Grizzlies would lose their next four games under Lionel Hollins before replacing him with TNT analyst Mike Fratello. Under Fratello, the Grizzlies would win 12 of their 15 games in January climbing back into playoff contention. Despite losing five of their last six games, the Grizzlies finished fourth in the Southwest Division with a 45–37 record, making their second consecutive trip to the playoffs.
| 2004–05 Memphis Grizzlies season | |
|---|---|
| Head coach |
|
| General manager | Dick Versace |
| President | Jerry West |
| Owner(s) | Michael Heisley |
| Arena | FedExForum |
| Results | |
| Record | 45–37 (.549) |
| Place | Division: 4th (Southwest) Conference: 8th (Western) |
| Playoff finish | First Round (lost to Suns 0–4) |
Stats at Basketball-Reference.com | |
| Local media | |
| Television | FSN South |
| Radio | WREC |
However, in the first round of the playoffs, they were swept by the top-seeded Phoenix Suns in four straight games. Following the season, Bonzi Wells was traded to the Sacramento Kings, Jason Williams and James Posey were both dealt to the Miami Heat, and Stromile Swift signed as a free agent with the Houston Rockets.
For the season, they debuted a new logo and new uniforms that replaced the teal, brown, red, and black color scheme with blue, navy, yellow, and grey and added side panels to their jerseys and shorts. This version of the uniforms remained in use until 2018.