Anaheim Believed to Be One of Grizzlies’ Final Two Choices

With three weeks left before Vancouver Grizzly owner Michael Heisley must tell the NBA where he wants his team to play next season, a top official in Louisiana said Monday he understood Heisley would choose between Anaheim and New Orleans.

“We are in the final two,” said Steve Perry, chief of staff to Louisiana Gov. Mike Foster, during remarks to the Press Club of Baton Rouge, La.

Perry did not elaborate or explain why he believed other cities might have been eliminated, according to the Associated Press.

In Anaheim, Mayor Tom Daly and City Manager James Ruth each said he was unaware of any decision Heisley might have made narrowing the field of potential new homes for the Grizzlies from five to two.

A flurry of speculation intensified last week, when the Vancouver Province reported that Memphis had “emerged as the most probable destination for the Grizzlies” at the same time Las Vegas Mayor Oscar Goodman said his meetings with Heisley convinced him that “Las Vegas is the No. 1 choice for the Grizzlies.” Louisville also is under consideration if Heisley decides to move the team.