Memphis Grizzlies' President of Basketball Operations, legendary executive Jerry West was named league's Executive of the Year. In a vote by his peers, fellow NBA executives, West received 16.5 of the 36 votes cast. He finished ahead of Kevin McHale of Minnesota with 5 votes, and Kevin O'Connor of Utah with 3 votes.

West, along with reigning Coach of the Year Hubie Brown, is credited for bringing up a Grizzlies' franchise, which had endured through 8 consecutive losing seasons since its inception, never winning more than 28 games, and a move from Vancouver to Memphis. The team finished 50-32 regular season record, but were swept by the San Antonio Spurs in the first round of the playoffs. Nevertheless, a 22 game improvement in the win column was a remarkable success.

"I share this award with Hubie Brown, for agreeing to come out of retirement and join me here in Memphis. Hubie?s tremendous insight in the teaching and coaching of basketball made it possible for the Memphis Grizzlies to win 50 games this season. His performance earned him the NBA Coach of the Year award, and helped us to win this award as well," West said.

While in Barcelona, Spain on Wednesday, Grizzlies forward Pau Gasol addressed his future in Memphis and hopes to sign a contract extension with the team this summer.

"You never know what's going to happen in the NBA. Changes may happen at any time," said Gasol, who is eligible for a contract extension this summer. ". . . I want to be in Memphis. Jerry West is going to work to put together the best team possible. I know the city, and I feel comfortable there."

"We'll see how the renewal of my contract goes. I'm not worried at all but, obviously, I hope they do all they can to keep me on the team."

Memphis Grizzlies assistant coach Lionel Hollins is heading to Boston today to explore taking a same position with the Boston Celtics.

"It's exploratory," Hollins said of the trip, which will include his family. "It's nice to have options, and for people to want you and respect what you do. It's always nice when people think you can help them.

Hollins might wait on head coach Doc River's offer though as he is considered a canadiate for the head coaching position with the Atlanta Hawks.

New Celtics head coach Doc Rivers is not wasting anytime in trying to put his staff together.

Canadiates include "former Toronto lead assistant Tony Brown, Memphis assistant Lionel Hollins, former Orlando assistants Dave Wohl, Paul Pressey, and Mark Hughes, former NBA assistant Jim Brewer, former Philadelphia coach Randy Ayers, and Boston assistant Paul Cormier."

I've talked to both guys [Brown and Hollins] about the job," said Rivers. "I've also talked to about five other guys. Tony Brown is the only guy I've given a financial offer to. I think he would be a terrific addition to our staff. Verbally, if Lionel and I can come to an agreement, he would be a terrific addition, too."