UPDATE: Both Jason Levien and Stu Lash have parted ways with the organization, and former Grizzlies and Celtics GM Chris Wallace has taken control of basketball operations, leaving head coach Dave Joerger reportedly in place.
But Chris Wallace, reinstalled today as head of Grizzlies' basketball ops, told @geoff_calkins today that Joerger remains Memphis' coach
— Marc Stein (@TheSteinLine) May 19, 2014
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After the most successful string of on-court performance in the history of their franchise, the last thing you would expect from the Memphis Grizzlies was high-profile turmoil in management, but there is a report circulating that leans in that direction.
Hearing major shakeup forthcoming in Memphis: Team CEO Jason Levien is poised to resign from club after assistant GM Stu Lash was dismissed
— Marc Stein (@TheSteinLine) May 19, 2014
ESPN’s Marc Stein reports that the Grizzlies have already dismissed their assistant general manager, Stu Lash, for undisclosed reasons, and because of that, the CEO of the club, Jason Levien, could be on his way out. Of course, the general public doesn’t necessarily identify with the “palace intrigue” in a situation like this, but Stein’s next report could be incredibly far-reaching.
Future of MEM coach Dave Joerger & executive VP John Hollinger uncertain after clash between Grizz owner Robert Pera and current management
— Marc Stein (@TheSteinLine) May 19, 2014
As noted, this current spat between the front office and ownership could affect former ESPN writer and current VP John Hollinger, as well as head coach Dave Joerger. The Grizzlies have won 56 and 50 games, respectively, over the past two seasons, and the 50-win total from 2013-2014 likely would have increased with a healthy season from their anchor, Marc Gasol.
Still, changes at the top often can affect the positions of people in player personnel and coaching, and the situation with the Memphis Grizzlies should be monitored closely in the coming hours and days.