http://www.commercialappeal.com/mca/grizzlies/article/0,1426,MCA_475_5562095,00.html Griz hire Iavaroni as coach; press conference Thursday Story Tools E-mail this story | Print By Ronald Tillery Contact May 30, 2007 A week after failing to win the NBA draft lottery, the Grizzlies made their first major acquisition of the offseason. The team hired Marc Iavaroni as its head coach, according to an NBA source familiar with the negotiations. Iavaroni, an integral part of the Phoenix Suns' coaching staff the past several seasons, received a three-year contract to help reshape the Grizzlies after they failed to reach the playoffs for the first time in four seasons. The team has scheduled a press conference for Thursday at 2 p.m. at FedExForum to make a "major announcement." Memphis finished with the league's worst record (22-60) but will pick fourth in the June 28 draft despite owning the best odds of selecting first or second. A person with knowledge of the coaching search said that while Iavaroni was among the leading candidates Larry Brown stood a great chance of becoming the Grizzlies' coach had they secured one of the top two picks. The Griz, though, didn't just settle. Iavaroni is considered one of the better creative minds working through the assistant coaching ranks. He has served as lead assistant for the past 3 1/2 seasons of his five-year stint with the Suns, who have led the league in scoring since 2004-05. His background also indicates that he'll demand solid defense, having worked under former Griz coach Mike Fratello and Miami's Pat Riley in his career. Iavaroni is also seen as someone who can nurture the skills of budding big man such as Pau Gasol. Iavaroni is credited with playing a major part in the development of center Amaré Stoudemire. Iavaroni also played in the NBA for seven seasons. He was a starter as a rookie on the 1983 World Champion Philadelphia 76ers.
I was under the impression he would run the Phoenix style offense, but apparently he is a defensive oriented guy? Interesting. He probably should have held out for a better team, or at least a team not in the west.
Congratulations Memphis X - you got a really good coach. I like Iavoroni from back in Villanova days-no fear at all
First, when you have been an assistant that long and you have confidence in your abilities "holding out" is not a consideration. Secondly, the Grizz are not as bad a team as their record. Gasol is their primary low post presence but sprained his ankle in the World Games and was never in the lineup until late December or early January. Mike Fratello is not the best or even most open minded coach for a young player...and the Grizz have quite a few young players. Apart from the promise of Rudy Gay (+4.8 in oncourt/offcourt on a team with the leagues' worst record), they have Warrick and Kyle Lowry (also hurt a good part of the season). Tarence Kinsey and Houston native Lawrence Roberts are real sleepers. The Grizz unfortunalely reside in the toughest division of the tougher conference. But the right draft pick and a healthy Gasol (or the right pieces for Gasol from CHI) will go along way to improving their 8-22 record against the East. Iavaroni was a greart selection for MEM.
http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/news;_y...nYcB?slug=ap-grizzliescoach&prov=ap&type=lgns "MEMPHIS, Tenn. (AP) -- Marc Iavaroni was hired as coach of the Memphis Grizzlies on Thursday after a season that left the team with the worst record in the NBA. Iavaroni, who has spent 17 years in the NBA as a player and assistant coach, is regarded as one of the league's top assistants. He spent the past five seasons with the Phoenix Suns. ADVERTISEMENT Tony Barone, the Grizzlies' former director of player personnel, was appointed interim coach last season when Memphis fired Mike Fratello with the team at 6-24. The Grizzlies finished at 22-60 following three straight trips to the NCAA playoffs. "
nice sign for them. lotto teams need coaches who can develop young talent, as well as turn them into disciplined players. he's right for the job. i don't expect a playoff team next year, but he will definitely help turn things around. how many other teams are still looking for new coaches?
Good hire. I like what the Magic and Grizzlies have done. I'll be rooting for them for sure, if not the Rockets.
Congratulations. He was the guy I wanted the Rocks to take a flyer on, although Adelman is a good choice. I'll be checking on the Grizz to see how he's doing. Good luck, except when you play us.
