While major sports leagues in America have been battling social injustice and inequality until now, Memphis Grizzlies coach J.B. Bickerstaff believes the NBA has growingly embraced diversity. Bickerstaff hinted at how the league has provided equal opportunities for coaches like him to make a difference.

Bickerstaff shared his thoughts on the matter to Brian Mahoney of The Associated Press, citing that the league's diversity has provided them an “equal playing field.”

“The league is starting to move in a direction with the coaches of being more diverse,” said Memphis coach J.B. Bickerstaff, whose father also was a head coach in the NBA. “And it's just about opportunity and everybody wants an equal playing field. And I think when you get an equal playing field you know people from all backgrounds can rise to the occasion.”

As mentioned by Mahoney, the recent offseason coach signings shed light on the league's approach to racial equality. The Phoenix Suns hired Serbia native Igor Kokoskov, while the Charlotte Hornets tabbed James Borrego who became the league's first full-time Hispanic coach. Becky Hammon, whose rise in the Spurs organization is well-documented, also has a real chance to become the first female head coach in the NBA.

Bickerstaff's father, Bernie Bickerstaff, also served as a head coach in the league. ESPN's Marc J. Spears pointed out that they are the first African-American father and son to become full-time head coaches in the NBA.

Before the 2018 season ended, the Grizzlies officially signed Bickerstaff as head coach of the team after the latter served as an interim head coach following the firing of David Fizdale.