It's been almost five years since former small forward Shane Battier was traded from the Memphis Grizzlies to the Houston Rockets and for Grizzly fans that was long enough. Battier began his NBA career in Memphis after being drafted sixth in the first round of the 2001 NBA Draft out of Duke. While playing at Duke Battier was a three time awardee of the NABC Defensive Player of the Year and won the NCAA National Championship in 2001. After graduation Battier was eager to begin playing in the NBA. Almost immediately after Battier was drafted to the Memphis Grizzlies fans began an obsession for Shane Battier. While fans hoped this was a bond that would never break, Battier was traded in June of 2006. Since Battier left the Grizzlies there has been triumph and there has been failure, like many NBA teams struggling to succeed. With great players coming in and out of the Grizzlies organization there still had not been a player who connected with the city of Memphis like Shane. However, on February 24, 2011 Battier was traded back to the Grizzlies; the feedback from fans was phenomenal. It's not just Battier's basketball skills that have fans in such utter excitement, but what Battier stands for. Battier and his wife, Heidi, started the Take Charge Foundation. The foundation is dedicated to providing resources for the development and education of underserved youth and teens. Battier is a leader for the city of Memphis both on the court and off, and that is why he is exactly what Memphis needs. Click here for more on this story.
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