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The Memphis Grizzlies have added Elliot Perry to its Basketball Operations department as Director of Player Support, the team announced today.
Now entering his 10th season with the organization, Perry’s responsibilities in this role will include working with Grizzlies players on facets of life outside of basketball and preparing them, personally and professionally, for long-term success on and off the court. Among other duties, Perry also will act as an advisor with respect to efforts in the community and Grizzlies Foundation.
“Elliot has deep ties to this franchise and a lifelong bond with city of Memphis. In addition, he is a wonderful example of someone who has achieved sustained success both personally and professionally,” Grizzlies General Manager Chris Wallace said. “We are excited for him to take on this role in mentoring our players in both their current careers and their post-basketball endeavors. We hope as an organization to continue building a long-term connection between the city and our players well beyond their playing days.”
A member of the Grizzlies ownership group since 2005, Perry will also step into a new role as Chairman of the Board for the Memphis Grizzlies Foundation after previously holding the title of Vice Chairman. In addition, he will continue in a limited capacity as an analyst for the team’s radio broadcast, a position he has held for the last seven seasons.
A Memphis native, Perry played for seven different teams over a 10-year NBA career (1991-92, 1994-2002), including a two-game stint with the Grizzlies in his final season in the league. Nicknamed “Socks” after his trademark knee-highs, he finished as runner-up for the 1995 NBA Most Improved Player Award after averaging 9.7 points, 4.8 assists and 1.9 steals per game for the Phoenix Suns.
The Treadwell High School graduate started every game of his four-year collegiate career (1987-91) with the Memphis State Tigers, leading the program to two NCAA Tournament appearances and a second-round berth in 1987. After graduating with a degree in marketing, Perry was drafted in the second round (37th overall) of the 1991 NBA Draft by the Los Angeles Clippers.
