Memphis makes some personnel changes following a less-than-ideal beginning.
The Memphis Grizzlies and head coach David Fizdale have parted ways, according to Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN. The Grizzlies fired their second-year coach after a rough patch to the season. He was hired to be the Grizzlies head man in May of 2016, going 50-51 during his tenure in Memphis.
Although the Grizzlies are one of the most underrated and successful teams year in and year out in the NBA, it looks like 2017-18 may come up short in terms of living up to expectations. After kicking off the season 7-4, Memphis went on to lose eight consecutive games. The Grizzlies now sit at 7-12, good for 12 seed in the Western Conference. Their 1-9 record through their last 10 games is tied for the league worst, with the Bulls.
Tempers have been flaring in Memphis recently as a result of the losing streak. In addition, fans and other players alike were not been happy with Marc Gasol’s fourth-quarter benching in the final 15 minutes of Memphis’ loss to the Nets. Questionable decisions like this led to Fizdale’s firing. Even though Fizdale’s Grizzlies reached the playoffs last season, the slow start was enough justification to let him go. When everything’s said and done, Fizdale’s defining moment in Memphis will be his post-game rant after a loss in the Western Conference playoffs to the Spurs.
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J.B. Bickerstaff, a team assistant, will take over as interim head coach for the rest of the season. If that name sounds familiar, it should. Bickerstaff was the interim head coach of the Houston Rockets following the firing of Kevin McHale. During that time, Bickerstaff led Houston to a 37-34 record. Although not excellent, it’s more than ideal in terms of experience for an interim head coach. Therefore, it’s safe to say the Grizzlies are in good hands. The Grizzlies travel to San Antonio (ironically enough) to take on the Spurs on Wednesday in their first game without Fizdale.