Earlier this week, the Memphis Grizzlies made the surprise decision to part ways with head coach David Fizdale after just 19 games into his second season with the team.
It has created a sense of uncertainty around the franchise without a head coach in place and the Grizzlies sputtering south quickly on an eight-game losing streak. Despite that, general manager Chris Wallace does not want the narrative of the organization being unstable being assigned to them, according to Kevin Lipe of the Memphis Flyer.
https://twitter.com/FlyerGrizBlog/status/935543124792893441
Although Memphis is going to through a tough stretch this season, the organization has experienced much success over the last several years with seven straight playoff appearances while winning at least 41 games in each campaign including 50 or more three times over the span. In fact, it has made them a constant in the playoff picture and widely considered a well-run franchise.
The timing of the firing of Fizdale so early in the season gives off the sense that there was a much deeper reasoning for the decision to part ways with him. There had been some chatter that he didn't exactly see eye-to-eye with several of his players including Marc Gasol.
Ultimately, Wallace is hoping the change in direction at head coach could get the team back to playing to their identity that has helped them become a fixture in the playoffs over the last several seasons.
https://twitter.com/FlyerGrizBlog/status/935543763447046146
In the meantime, the Grizzlies are expected to roll with assistant coach J.B. Bickerstaff as the interim head coach while the front office searches for a long-term answer.
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