New coach, same result: Lionel Hollins won’t save Memphis Grizzlies

January 24 09

Breaking NBA news mixed with analysis …

Their News: The Memphis Grizzlies are expected to introduce Lionel Hollins as their new coach at a news conference Sunday. The Grizzlies fired coach Marc Iavaroni on Thursday and Johnny Davis acted as interim coach on Friday, when Memphis lost 108-88 at New York. (ESPN.com)

Our Quick Analysis: Call it a Kamikaze mission. Hollins, like Iavaroni, has no chance at succeeding with Memphis because the organization isn’t committed to winning.

They never have been, either.

One year ago, the club wrapped Pau Gasol in a bow and gave the All-Star to Los Angeles in a belated Christmas gift. In donating their best player to the Lakers, the Grizzlies set back any chance at rebuilding.

Such disorganization and incompetence is the fault of owner Michael Heisley. The Chicago businessman can’t decide if he wants to sell or keep the club. And, unfortunately, this makes competing impossible.

There are some nice young pieces: Rudy Gay, Marc Gasol, and O.J. Mayo. However, Gay and Mayo won’t re-sign with a team that can’t commit to winning. The younger Gasol, if he strings together a few strong seasons, will want out, too.

It’s telling that an experienced sideline boss like Avery Johnson would turn Memphis down. Hollins, however, isn’t in demand like The Little General and doesn’t have the luxury of picking between head coaching gigs. Also, Hollins has twice served as the Grizzlies’ interim coach, so he and the organization have history.

New coach. Same result. Simply put, Hollins isn’t the answer.

What are your thoughts on the Grizzlies’ hire? Get at us in the comment box and come back to HoopsVibe the blog for more NBA tidbits. Photo courtesy of hoppetoad.

4 Comments: New coach, same result: Lionel Hollins won’t save Memphis (...)

Posted by
O.Sandor
on 01.25.2009

Hi, thanks for the comments folks. Memph Blake, you are right. The Grizz have pieces, but are dysfunctional. From ownership to management and now at the coaching spot. And yeah, Sami A, they need an identity or plan. As for the last poster, thanks for reading and following my work. And I am always open to ideas etc. However, I wrote about Shaq because it was relevant and something that was planned for some time. And I agreed with your point at the time. However, while I am a fan of Mr. Davidson and the Piston organization, I am not sure as to their future. They have a first year coach, a young point guard, albeit a talented one in Stuckey, a new addition or major piece in AI, and two massive expiring contracts, again, AI and Rasheed Wallace. Respectfully, how many of those teams win an NBA Title? While I think they can be a factor come playoff time , I am currently unsure of what they can do and need to see more. As for Iverson, he isn’t at fault so to speak, however, he could have volunteered to come of the bench instead of Rip. Hamilton is an All-Star, himself, and has a ring. And right now, I am not sure about the fit. Still, I like their organization, believe they could be a factor, and believe Dumars has a plan ... he always does right? Thanks for commenting and giving an opinion. Get at me with thoughts on this if you like! .

Posted by
please oly
on 01.25.2009

oly your really the best writer around here. i really like you. i was the guy who asked for the article about the resurgence of shaq. if i may ask a favor, is it alright if i ask you to make an article about the detroit pistons and allen iverson? people are really blaming iverson but i dont see it as his fault because the whole team is not playing defense and its not just allen iverson. im really tired of people saying that its all a.i fault but its not. please oly. and they aint that bad anyways.i still see them geling and winning an nba title. thank you oly. please help me out. thanks. .

Posted by
Sami A
on 01.25.2009

They don’t know what their identity is. First they are a running team, then the owner doesn’t like it because they are losing, so they try to become a better defensive team, and in the end they are caught in between. They brought in kevin o neill for defense and he coached his last game yesterday against the Nets .

Posted by
Memphis Blake
on 01.25.2009

I seriously don’t get this move. I would have rather taken Mo Checks as head anyway. Atleast he had winning teams at one point. Avery was smart not to take the job. This is a pure Chris Wallace move he brings chumps off a bench to coach. While Jerry pulled H.O.F. winners off the broadcast mic. Did he check with Eddie Jordan, or Flip Saunders. This team has talent they just need the right coach. Why or Why am I a freakin Grizzles fan, I guess I am pretty dumb as well .

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	About Oly Sandor
Daily take on NBA Oly Sandor is an NBA analyst and sports journalist based out of Vancouver, Canada.After years of the free-lance game, Oly Sandor is bringing his unique brand of NBA analysis exclusively to (...) More

New coach, same result: Lionel Hollins won’t save Memphis Grizzlies

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Oly Sandor