http://sports.yahoo.com/news/sources--lionel-hollins--grizzlies-likely-parting-ways-after-contract-discussions-collapse-210228215.html
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p>Not-so-breaking news: Griz lead assistant David Joerger will be prime candidate to replace Hollins if deal can't be reached</p>— Ronald Tillery (@CAGrizBlog) <a href="https://twitter.com/CAGrizBlog/status/341281765731753985">June 2, 2013</a></blockquote> <script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p>Joerger has first-timer's low price and more amenable relationship with new management working in his favor among other things</p>— Ronald Tillery (@CAGrizBlog) <a href="https://twitter.com/CAGrizBlog/status/341282409326714880">June 2, 2013</a></blockquote> <script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
Would be stupid to get rid of that guy. He really got the Grizzlies playing hard. One more team that I expect the Rockets to pass next year.
If it isn't JVG, I bet the Nets hire Hollins. Wonder when during the playoffs this "explosion" on Hollinger occurred.
As if there was any doubt, the window has not only been slammed shut, but sealed as well for the Griz. It's amazing how much damage Hollinger has done in such a short amount of time. No wonder the Spurs fired him so quick before he could screw things up even more for that franchise. Props to Hollins for standing up to management. Some team is going to get a really good coach when they hire him.
Great detail as always from Woj, but slightly disappointed he didn't identify Hollinger as "a statistician who worked for a cable sports company" again.
I'm sure it has to do with the aftermath of the Rudy Gay trade. Like a good coach, Hollins wants the best players possible on his team during the season in a playoff push. Grizz management started this "philosophical" difference when they let Rudy Gay go for an aging Tayshaun. It was a clear sign that Grizz Mgmt. cared more about the dough than the trophy. The Grizz were a better team with Rudy Gay, despite his offensive struggles this year. They lost A LOT from a talent standpoint when he was traded. If they had a go-to guy against the Spurs, the outcome may have been different. Rudy Gay is a good player, but ownership threw in the towel the minute they traded him. The players knew it. The fans knew it. Hollins felt it. I'm guessing MGMT wanted Hollins to buy into their trades/vision at all costs, and Hollins probably wanted some sort of role in keeping his lineup as talented as possible. It reminds me of how Morey parted ways with Adelman. Rick wasn't appreciative of some of the trades that were done COMPLETELY for money, and Morey wanted a "yes-man" type of coach that he could have for cheap and justify his moves by the coach's inexperience. (See: McHale) I wonder if Morey spoke with McHale following his indifference/displeasure with the PatPat trade... Some management teams focus more on the money than the wins, the championship hopes, team chemistry and loyal fans. Hollins is a good coach, and like another poster wrote, he had his guys playing hard. Man, Hollins has had Zbo playing some of the best basketball of his career... The Grizz lose on this one. Fa sho.
Making the Conference Finals in his first season on the job (after getting bounced in Round 1 the season before)? Sounds like little damage there. When was Hollinger with the Spurs? Hollins is overrated... He's a good coach who will always find a job, but Joerger was the brains behind that defense. The Grizzlies will be much better off with a strong offseason and sticking to a moneyball approach.
Hollins deserves praise for how the Grizzlies. However a parting was inevitable. Hollins and the management were on completely different philosophical wave lengths. I am sure Hollins will get more money and respect elsewhere. As for the Grizz, Joerger would be an excellent choice. Having said that, I am not sure that taking a member of existing coaching staff. I think Zach Randolph is gone and others.
It's a lot easier to have a good defense with great defensive players whose strength is not offense. Doesn't take much brains at all really.
Woj(radio): He has likely coached his last game for Memphis. We could all see this coming. Lionel has been clear he doesn't see eye to eye with the analytics movement. There was a confrontation with he and Hollinger, as I wrote in the story. They want their own guys in there. I was told they never talked seriously about years and money. It was inevitable there was a parting there. He's a disciplinary. Can't underestimate the job he did. I think that team will look different. They want their stamp on things. As important as winning is, getting credit for winning is more important. No one is surprised that things wouldn't work out. Crazy since he just got them to the WCF.
