Momming Like The Memphis Grizzlies

If you live in Memphis, chances are pretty high that you’ve been to at least one Memphis Grizz basketball game. And if you didn’t know already, the Memphis Grizzlies are All Grit and All Grind through and through. Take this season, for example. We are rocking and rolling with an amazing rookie class, some hot hands from the 3-point line, and our usual All Stars rocking the court every night. We have also had injuries that have sidelined beloved players, and things that have just not gone our way. But that has not stopped me from cheering for our beloved team!

I grew up playing basketball, and while my basketball skills are laughable, I appreciate the athleticism, mental fitness, and game-play found in the Memphis Grizzlies. Luckily for me, Memphis is a basketball town and has allowed me to continue in my joy of bball. I know the players names, I watch Media Day on YouTube religiously, I get tickets to every opening season home game, and I cannot get enough of Pete Pranica’s “Hammer. Nail. Coffin.” line when he’s broadcasting the game on 92.9 ESPN.

As with every new year, I look to the new Memphis Grizzlies season to get inspired in my own mothering journey. I take lessons from the team and the players to help me sort through the parenthood highs and lows of life. Here are the ways this current season has inspired me in my motherhood adventures:

Don’t be afraid to switch it up

This season, Jaren Jackson Jr. decided to change his jersey number from 13 to 8. It’s the same number his father wore when he played for the LA Clippers, and when interviewed, JJJ said it symbolizes “a new beginning, a fresh start”. I love that after 7 seasons with the Grizzlies, JJJ wasn’t afraid to switch things up and challenge himself in new ways in his 8th, while already having a great career in the NBA. What mom can’t get behind that? I want my kid to try new things and see what happens. I want my students to see a situation differently, and to re-engage in new and innovative ways. I love that Memphians young and old can look to JJJ to see how to be courageous when switching things up a bit.

I want to be comfortable in my “bench” moments like Cam Spencer.

Drafted as the 53rd overall pick in the second round, Cam Spencer did not let his position in the draft influence his determination and drive. In his second year, Cam has one of the hottest hands in the NBA and can’t seem to miss a 3-ball. His confidence and his clear understanding of not only his role, but his ability to help his team win, has made him an invaluable member of the Grizzlies team. Rumor has it, he is also known to practice after a game in a dark Fedex Forum, staying practiced and active even when no one is watching. There have been many times where I am not the “go-to” parent because of my work schedule, my energy, my capacity, or my child’s preference. I have to take a seat on “the bench” because someone else is being the point guard in my daughter’s life. But it’s totally fine to be on the bench, and I have had my “hot hands” moments where I shine brightly when it’s my turn to shine and contribute.

Don’t be afraid to be a rookie (and be great at being one).

Merriam-Webster defines “rookie” as “a novice, a beginner, someone doing something for the first time”. Some people take a label like “rookie” and shrink because it’s not the hype they were hoping for. Not for Cedric Coward. Cedric’s entry to the NBA wasn’t one of lights and cameras – there was no national publicity, no recruiters in the stands for his high school games. He stayed committed to his passion though, and didn’t even let a shoulder injury prevent him from giving the NBA draft a shot. Since being drafted to the Grizzlies, Cedric has earned a starting role on the team as a rookie, consequently also earning him top spots in the Kia Rookie Ladder rankings this year too. Even though my child is a 1st grader, there are parts of this momming thing that brings the rookie out in me. She is trying new things every year, learning new things every year (this “new math” is terrible!!), and navigating friendships in new ways. Each milestone and challenge makes me feel like I’m a rookie again, not sure where my footing is or what to do. But then I remember that learning is a “rookie” thing to do, and that all things start as something new. New doesn’t mean bad, nor does it mean that I am completely without skills or talents to help me navigate the “first time” of it all. I can be a great rookie, and might even welcome the label because it can help propel me to new skills, new experiences, and new joys in life!

Life is all about taking the wins with the losses.

There is not a single NBA team with zero losses this season. Sometimes the Grizzlies win, sometimes they don’t. Sometimes things go our way, sometimes they don’t. Sometimes an opposing player has the night of their life, and sometimes we don’t have a good strategy to combat that. Sometimes you studied as hard as you could for that test, and the teacher threw in some spicy questions that got you anyway. Life is about learning how to take the good with the bad, the joy with the sad, the fun with the uncomfortable. As a mom (or head coach), I have learned that one of my jobs is to give my child the tools to help her navigate through life, how to problem solve and communicate, how to advocate for herself and how to lose or fail with grace. Losses can help us adjust, innovate, readjust, and reorganize. As a Grizz fan, I have seen how Coach Iisalo has had to adjust, innovate, readjust, and reorganize his coaching too. There is not a single perfect parent out here, and there is grace in failing and making mistakes so we can all grow (and win a little here and there).

I’m glad that the Memphis Grizzlies show me how to navigate this mothering life. How has the team taught you lessons in motherhood?

If you want to Mom like the Memphis Grizzlies, start by taking the family to a game. Here are some fun ones to put on your radar :

Jan. 9 vs. Oklahoma City Thunder: Classic Edition Super Grizz Bobblehead to the first 5,000 fans.
Jan. 23 vs. New Orleans Pelicans: Faith and Family Night, presented by Big River Steel.
Jan. 25 vs. Denver Nuggets: Kids Day, presented by Memphis Zoo.
Jan. 31 vs. Minnesota Timberwolves: Grizz’ Birthday. Classic Edition Super Grizz Squish to the first 3,000 fans.
Feb. 20 vs. Utah Jazz: Gospel Night.
Feb. 23 vs. Sacramento Kings: Lunar New Year.
Feb. 25 vs. Golden State Warriors: Game Day, presented by Pinnacle Financial Partners. City Edition Poster to the first 5,000 fans.
March 7 vs. Los Angeles Clippers: Women’s Empowerment Night, presented by Nike. Classic Edition Dubrae Set to the first 5,000 fans.
March 18 vs. New York Knicks: Ja Morant “Call 12” Cell to the first 3,000 fans.
March 20 vs. Boston Celtics: Wrestling Night. Grizz Sunglasses to the first 5,000 fans.
March 27 vs. Houston Rockets: Classic Edition Full-Size Basketball to the first 5,000 fans.
March 28 vs. Chicago Bulls: Divine 9 Night. Classic Edition Viewfinder to the first 3,000 fans.
April 1 vs. Dallas Mavericks: Sustainability Night, presented by Coca-Cola.
April 3 vs. Toronto Raptors: City Edition T-Shirt to the first 5,000 fans.
April 6 vs. Cleveland Cavaliers: Fan Appreciation Night. All fans in attendance will receive a Grizzlies Poster.