[1] After finishing with the worst record in their first two seasons, the Grizzlies selected Antonio Daniels out of Bowling Green State University with the fourth overall pick in the 1997 NBA draft.
[13][14] The Grizzlies played around .500 early into the season with a 6–7 start, but then struggled again posting a 13-game losing streak between December and January, and held a 13–36 record at the All-Star break.
The team would then fall into a slump, which included a thirteen-game losing streak as they fell out of playoff contention.
Vancouver also acquired Sam Mack from the Houston Rockets to become the team's starting shooting guard.
Midway through the season, Thorpe was traded along with Chris Robinson to the Sacramento Kings for Michael Smith and Bobby Hurley.