Grizzlies expected to name Fratello head coach

Fratello, who has compiled a 572-462 career record in 13 seasons as the head coach of the Atlanta Hawks and Cleveland Cavaliers, takes over following last week’s sudden resignation of Hubie Brown, who cited he no longer had the desire or energy to keep coaching.

One of the NBA’s top 20 coaches in terms of career victories, Fratello would return to the sidelines for the first time since 1999. He has served as an television analyst since his departure, first with NBC and most recently with TNT, where he shared the booth with Brown before the latter took over the Grizzlies in 2002 after a 16-year coaching hiatus.

Much of Fratello’s success came with the Hawks — his first team that he coached. He coached the Hawks for just three games in 1980 (0-3) and then was named full-time coach in 1983-89. From there, Fratello compiled a 324-250 with Atlanta and guided the them to the playoffs on five occasions.

Fratello then turned to the booth, but returned to the pine in 1993 to coach the Cleveland Cavaliers. In six seasons with the Cavs, Fratello posted a 248-212 mark, but guided the team to the postseason just twice.

After guiding the Grizzlies to a 28-46 record during his first year with the club after a 16-year absence from the bench, Brown turned Memphis into a respectable franchise, something Fratello will have to maintain.

The Grizzlies finished with a franchise-best 50-32 mark last season and the franchise’s first playoff appearance.

Lionel Hollins was named interim head coach after Brown’s resignation and guided the team for four games — all losses. Memphis will take a 5-11 record into Friday’s home game against Philadelphia.