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Matching the Memphis Grizzlies with their rapper equivalents

Updated Mar. 5, 2020 1:30 a.m. ET

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Aug 31, 2016; Miami, FL, USA; Drake performs at American Airlines Arena. Mandatory Credit: Ron Elkman/USA TODAY NETWORK

Hip-hop has had a deep impact in sports culture, particularly in basketball. No members of the Memphis Grizzlies (knowingly) rap in their spare time, so we went ahead and matched Mike Conley, Chandler Parsons, Wade Baldwin IV, Zach Randolph, Tony Allen and Marc Gasol to their hip-hop equivalents.

Someone on the Memphis Grizzlies really needs to pick up rapping in the summer. I don’t care if it’s like that garbage that Shaq released or it’s lyrical masterpieces like Dame Lillard aka Dame D.O.L.L.A.

Unfortunately, it doesn’t seem like that day is coming anytime soon. In the mean time, we decided to match up which rappers’ careers and personas matched up with the Memphis Grizzlies for this edition of our “Into the Bears’ Den” roundtable.

Mike Conley – Chance the Rapper

Nov 3, 2015; Sacramento, CA, USA; Memphis Grizzlies guard Mike Conley (11) blocks a shot by Sacramento Kings guard Darren Collison (7) during the second quarter at Sleep Train Arena. Mandatory Credit: Ed Szczepanski-USA TODAY Sports

By Parker Fleming (@PAKA_FLOCKA)

Quite some time ago, these two individuals were underrated. While flying under the radar, they both remained one of the best at their respected games. Now, people are appreciating their true greatness at their skills.

Chance the Rapper’s latest album “Coloring Book” has put the world on notice. With hit songs “No Problem” and “Juke Jam,” more and more people are beginning to understand that he is one of the best rappers in the industry. Along with his new music, Chance has been making appearances at the ESPYs, showcasing his music as a performer and his dance moves with reigning MVP Stephen Curry. In addition, he is becoming close with Queen Beyonce, after being invited to her birthday party and running into her at the VMAs. 

In the same way, Mike Conley is finally getting recognition for his extraordinary work at his craft, earning the largest contract in NBA history. After breakout performances such as stealing a playoff game in Oracle Arena three games after breaking his face, people are finally realizing that Conley is a real-deal NBA point guard. Because of this new contract, he is getting attention through ESPN.

In addition, he landed a new deal with Under Armour.

Because of their newfound appreciation, Chance the Rapper has been nominated for “Best New Hip Hop Artist” and “Lyricst of the Year.” On the other hand, Mike Conley should garner All-Star attention in Dave Fizdale’s revamped offense.

Chandler Parsons – Drake

Feb 5, 2016; Dallas, TX, USA; Dallas Mavericks forward Chandler Parsons (25) watches his team during the game against the San Antonio Spurs at the American Airlines Center. The Spurs defeat the Mavericks 116-90. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports

By Ian Pierno (@IanPierno)

Album dropped? Grammy nomination. No questions asked.

Time ticking down in the fourth quarter, time for a contested 3-pointer (or a 3/4th court Hail Mary)? Swish. No questions asked.

The greatest rapper in the world, Drake, and the newly-signed Memphis Grizzlies forward Chandler Parsons are a lot more alike than you think.

The main thing this duo shares is their efficiency in the spotlight. Parsons isn’t known as an elite rebounder or defender, but he’s looking to earn every cent of his $94,000,000 maximum deal with his scoring efficiency. His true shooting percentage of 58.9 led all Dallas Mavericks players to log at least 450 minutes on the floor. 

Aug 31, 2016; Miami, FL, USA; Drake performs at American Airlines Arena. Mandatory Credit: Ron Elkman/USA TODAY NETWORK

Hailing from a much colder hometown than Casselberry, Florida, Drake scores with a similar efficiency on every album and mixtape he drops. Heck, even songs he’s featured on rock the airwaves. There’s rumors that Drake may be skipping out on the nitty gritty part of rapping: writing his lyrics.

Regardless of their minor deficiencies on the court or in the creative studio, they share three very, very, very, unique attributes.

Drake showed he has quite the sense of humor when he was a guest on Saturday Night Live, and Dwight Howard’s old Snapchat stories in Houston show that Parsons may also. 

OK, I’m done now.

Next: Wade Baldwin IVert

Wade Baldwin IV – Lil Uzi Vert

Jun 23, 2016; New York, NY, USA; Wade Baldwin IV (Vanderbilt) is interviewed after being selected as the number seventeen overall pick to the Memphis Grizzlies in the first round of the 2016 NBA Draft at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports

By Parker Fleming (@PAKA_FLOCKA)

Wade Baldwin IV and Lil Uzi Vert both were in the “draft classes” of 2016.

Lil Uzi Vert was featured in the 2016 XXL Freshman Class for being a hip-hop artist on the rise. He can go hard in the paint with songs such as “Canadian Goose,” “Money Longer” and “Seven Million.” In addition, he possess smooth lyrics and beats in songs like “Ps and Qs” and “You Was Right.” Before we know it, Lil Uzi Vert will be in the upper echelon of the rap game.

The Memphis Grizzlies drafted Wade Baldwin IV with the 17th pick of the NBA Draft. There is more hype behind him than any player drafted by the organization since OJ Mayo, and for good reason. His tenacity and high “vert” with rim-rattling dunks at the point guard position.

Such aggressions has people wondering if Baldwin is the next Russell Westbrook. The smooth aspect of his game is, of course, his beautiful jumper. In Baldwin’s two-year college career, he knocked down 42 percent of his 199 3-point attempts.

Both Wade Baldwin IV and Lil Uzi Vert are the most intriguing young guns in their industries. If Uzi keeps dropping hot albums, he’ll be one of the rap game’s biggest stars. If Baldwin does hit those Westbrook comparisons, he’ll have the NBA on lockdown.

Zach Randolph – Biggie Smalls

Mar 6, 2016; Memphis, TN, USA; Memphis Grizzlies forward Zach Randolph (50) dribbles as Phoenix Suns center Tyson Chandler (4) defends at FedExForum. Phoenix defeated Memphis 109-100. Mandatory Credit: Nelson Chenault-USA TODAY Sports

By Mike Parrott (@MikeParrott_)

Before I start I need to address it, they have the same physical attributes, to put it nicely. But besides that one big similarity they have a lot more than just appearance. Both old-school players in their art, the post-up game and 90s gangster-rap, Biggie and Randolph are two guys you don’t want to mess with.

Both of them were brought up in bad places, Biggie on the mean streets in Brooklyn growing up surrounded by drug dealers and addicts, and Randolph on the Jail Blazers surrounded by the same kind of people.  These surroundings led to Biggie being arrested for selling drugs and Randolph similarly getting in fights with teammates causing three different trades.

Both of them had a change of identity that made them the player they are. Biggie created his pseudonym, the Notorious B.I.G when he featured on Mary J. Blige’s “Real Love,” which led his to success with his 1994 album “Ready to Die.”

Randolph had a change of heart when he joined the Memphis Grizzlies and led them to the second round of the playoffs in 2011, beating the top-seeded San Antonio Spurs. That playoff series changed Randolph from being a locker-room cancer, into a team player on a likeable gritty team that would then be led by him to the conference finals in 2013.

And let’s face it, Biggie was definitely rapping about his love for Zbo as seen in Juicy:

Change rappin’ to ballin’ and that’s a four-bar verse narrating Randolph’s career.

Tony Allen – Future

Jan 28, 2016; Memphis, TN, USA; Memphis Grizzlies guard Tony Allen (9) reaches for a loose ball against Milwaukee Bucks Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) in the second quarter at FedExForum. Mandatory Credit: Nelson Chenault-USA TODAY Sports

By Parker Fleming (@PAKA_FLOCKA)

Tony Allen is actually a fan of Future, listening to his music as a pre-game ritual and quoting his lyrics for tweets.

What many people may not realize is that TONY ALLEN IS THE NBA’S FUTURE. No, I’m not talking about Minnesota Timberwolves’ future; I’m talking about the rapper Future.

Tony Allen and Future are unique to their respective games. Future has his own distinguished sound that very few could mimic (unless you are Desiigner, the poor man’s Future — editor’s note: homeless man’s Future. Panda still lit, though). There are many hit songs such as “March

Aug 31, 2016; Miami, FL, USA; Future performs at American Airlines Arena. Mandatory Credit: Ron Elkman/USA TODAY NETWORK

Madness,” “Low Life” and “Wicked.” On top of that, he collaborated with Drake for one of the hottest albums of 2015, “What a Time to Be Alive.” Because of his unique style and popular songs, Future has become one of the biggest names in the industry. 

Tony Allen is unique in his own right. Today’s NBA focuses hard on launching 3s and being versatile on both ends of the court. On the other hand, Tony Allen is still relevant for his tenacious defense. Despite being different from the 2016 NBA wing, Tony Allen still has a place in the league, earning All-NBA 2nd Defensive Team honors in a injury-riddled season.

In their specialties, both Future and Tony Allen are “top 5, no debating.”

Marc Gasol – Lil Dicky

Jan 18, 2016; Memphis, TN, USA; Memphis Grizzlies center Marc Gasol (33) reacts after being called for a foul against New Orleans Pelicans center Alexis Ajinca (42) at FedExForum. Memphis defeated New Orleans 101-99. Mandatory Credit: Nelson Chenault-USA TODAY Sports

By Ian Pierno (@IanPierno)

He may not be the best center in the league like Beale Street Bears staff writer Mike Parrott claims, but Marc Gasol never seems to get the respect he deserves. Everyone knows who Gasol is: Pau’s little brother and the longtime frontcourt anchor of the Memphis Grizzlies. That’s it. They don’t know the difference Gasol’s above average passing and stellar defense have brought to the Grizzlies’ six consecutive playoff appearances. 

Everyone knows who Lil Dicky is: the Jewish rapper out of the Pennsylvania suburbs who graduated with Summa Cum Laude honors from business school. But, what they don’t know, is Lil Dicky’s flow is low-key ridiculous and it’s time to take him seriously as a rapper.

In Lil Dicky’s biography song, “Professional Rapper,” where he goes through an interview from Snoop Dogg, he’s asked what he would do if he was threatened by two people at the club. Lil Dicky responds:

Mr. Dogg goes on to criticize him for being weak, in which Lil Dicky shoots right back:

Well, like Lil Dicky, Gasol wouldn’t have done anything either, as seen by him releasing a cocked fist in this clip.

Also, Gasol found his own niche with the Grizzlies. Despite following right in his brother’s footsteps, Marc found his own path. He’s never gotten to play on the biggest stage like Pau did while winning rings in Los Angeles, but he also hasn’t had to bounce around teams and likely never will.

When you’re talking about the best centers in the league, don’t leave out Marc Gasol. When you’re given the aux cord, slide in a few Lil Dicky songs. That duo’s flow is sneaky amazing.

Not to mention, Lil Dicky may be one of the greatest hoopers left in the rap game (NSFW).

And hey, they both share the confidence needed to be a professional.

Pick up the phone, Chris Wallace. Lets get this man in training camp.

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