Despite leading the team to their best season ever, Lionel Hollins is out as head coach of the Memphis Grizzlies. Speculation on Hollins future started shortly after the team’s loss to the Spurs, and has gained momentum over the past week. The team made it official today, releasing the following statement from Grizzlies CEO Jason Levien.
“After a thorough internal process, which included conversations with Lionel and his representatives, we decided as an organization to move in a different direction. On behalf of the Grizzlies organization I would like to thank Lionel for his service and hard work in helping this organization throughout his years in Vancouver and Memphis.”
Hollins ran afoul of management on a number of occassions this season, first by criticizing the front office’s reliance on advanced stats, and secondly by criticizing the mid-season trade of Rudy Gay to the Toronto Raptors. Still despite the tension, the Grizzlies had their best season ever on the court, finishing 56-26 on the season, but winning playoff rounds over the Los Angeles Clippers and Oklahoma City Thunder.
Hollins holds Grizzlies team records for wins, and is the only coach to have coached the team to a playoff win. Even that was not enough to save his job.
Early reports indicate that Hollins will be a sought after coach on the market now with the Nuggets, Clippers and Nets all reportedly showing interest in speaking with him about their vacant head coaching positions. Its just another player in the game of coaching musical chairs that is going on in the NBA this offseason.
Meanwhile reports indicate that the Grizzlies will look at George Karl and Alvin Gentry as external candidates to replace Hollins, and at assistant coach Dave Joerger as a possible internal promotion and replacement.
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