RealGM Basketball Wiretap

Grizzlies To Interview George Karl On Monday

Thu, 13 Jun 2013 17:11:38 EDT

The Memphis Grizzlies will interview George Karl on Monday, according to a source.

Karl was fired by the Denver Nuggets last week following a regular season in which he won Coach of the Year.

The Grizzlies are searching for a replacement to Lionel Hollins. David Joerger is widely considered the favorite for the position, while Ed Pinckney, Alvin Gentry and Brian Shaw are also candidates.

Alvin Gentry To Interview For Grizzlies' Opening Friday

Thu, 13 Jun 2013 01:40:41 EDT

Alvin Gentry will interview for the Memphis Grizzlies' head coach vacancy on Friday, according to sources.

Gentry was contacted by the Grizzlies on Wednesday and is slated to meet with Robert Pera and Jason Levien in Washington, D.C.

The Grizzlies are expected to conduct interviews through next week.

Gentry was fired by the Phoenix Suns in January and has lobbied for openings with the Charlotte Bobcats and Los Angeles Clippers.

Grizzlies Receive Permission To Interview Ed Pinckney

Wed, 12 Jun 2013 15:21:18 EDT

The Memphis Grizzlies have received permission to interview Ed Pinckney for their head coaching position, according to sources.

Pinckney is an assistant with the Chicago Bulls and was previously with the Minnesota Timberwolves.

The Grizzlies have also spoken with George Karl and Alvin Gentry on the phone, while Dave Joerger will also be interviewed.

Lionel Hollins will not return to the Grizzlies next season.

Lionel Hollins Won't Return To Grizzlies

Mon, 10 Jun 2013 19:32:06 EDT

Lionel Hollins will not return to the Memphis Grizzlies for the 13-14 NBA season.

Hollins was without a contract for next season and the Grizzlies informed him of their decision on Monday.

Hollins led the Grizzlies to the Western Conference Finals this season before losing to the Spurs in four games.

The Grizzlies will consider George Karl, Alvin Gentry and David Joerger as replacements for Hollins. 

Joerger is widely considered the frontrunner.

Nuggets Receive Permission To Talk To Brian Shaw, Lionel Hollins

Sun, 09 Jun 2013 00:34:25 EDT

The Denver Nuggets have received permission to interview Brian Shaw and Lionel Hollins for their head coaching vacancy.

The Nuggets are likely to interview a small group of candidates, based on previous reports.

Pete D'Alessandro remains a top candidate for the team’s general manager vacancy.

Hollins, Karl Could Trade Coaching Jobs With Grizzlies, Nuggets

Thu, 06 Jun 2013 12:01:02 EDT

The Memphis Grizzlies have not ruled out bringing back Lionel Hollins, but one source said that he could go to the Denver Nuggets while George Karl becomes his replacement.

Karl was relieved of his duties as head coach of the Nuggets on Thursday.

Karl has a strong ally in the Grizzlies' front office in Stu Lash.

Benjamin Hochman of the Denver Post reports that Brian Shaw is also a candidate for the Nuggets.

Nets Will Receive Permission To Interview Lionel Hollins

Wed, 05 Jun 2013 16:38:10 EDT

The Brooklyn Nets have not yet received permission to interview Lionel Hollins, according to a source.

The Grizzlies received a request the day after they were eliminated in the Western Conference Finals and have yet to ask a second time.

The Grizzlies have granted permission to the Clippers to interview Hollins.

The Nets are believed to be targeting Brian Shaw.

David Aldridge of NBA.com reports that the Grizzlies will grant permission to the Nets when they ask again. The Grizzlies began giving permission to other teams on Sunday.

Clippers Receive Permission To Interview Lionel Hollins

Tue, 04 Jun 2013 23:46:48 EDT

The Los Angeles Clippers have received permission to interview Lionel Hollins.

Hollins led the Memphis Grizzlies to the Western Conference Finals, but is unlikely to return.

The Clippers are searching for a replacement for Vinny Del Negro.

A source said, however, that Brian Shaw remains the leading candidate. Reports also indicate that the Brooklyn Nets have identified Shaw as their top candidate.

Chris Wallace Likely To Be Hired By Kings For GM Job

Mon, 03 Jun 2013 12:23:34 EDT

The Sacramento Kings are likely to hire Chris Wallace as their next general manager.

Wallace was perceived as the favorite for the job and his candidacy was apparently strengthened over the weekend.

Travis Schlenk of the Golden State Warriors has also been a candidate, while Larry Bird, R.C. Buford and others apparently rebuked the Kings' interest.

Wallace, who is still a member of the Memphis Grizzlies' front office, would replace longtime GM Geoff Petrie.

Lionel Hollins Recieves Permission To Speak To Other Teams

Sun, 02 Jun 2013 16:25:35 EDT

Lionel Hollins has received permission from the Memphis Grizzlies to talk to other NBA teams about a head coach opening.

Discussions between the Grizzlies and Hollins stalled on Saturday night, with "major philosophical differences," according to a source.

The Brooklyn Nets will primarily target Hollins and Brian Shaw for their coaching vacancy.

Hollins led the Grizzlies to the Western Conference finals and has said he wants to return.

Levien Fails To Endorse Retaining Hollins

Wed, 29 May 2013 23:39:16 EDT

Memphis Grizzlies CEO Jason Levien failed to fully support bringing back Lionel Hollins as head coach in an interview after the season ended in a sweep to the San Antonio Spurs.

"Certainly Lionel was a great asset to us, and he was here long before we got here and we’re very proud of the way the team performed and certainly disappointed by the ending," Levien said. "It was an emotional evening and an emotional day today with the players, and that’s where our focus has been."

When asked whether he would want Hollins back, Levien said: "I think what I would say at this point is … up to this point, we said we didn’t want to negotiate or talk about his contract status publicly and I think we’re going to stick with that."

Still, Levien said the Grizzlies plan to move quickly in the coaching process.

21 NBA Teams To Compete In 2013 Vegas Summer League

Wed, 29 May 2013 13:52:37 EDT

The 2013 Vegas Summer League will be comprised of 22 teams and run from July 12 to July 22.

Atlanta Hawks (2010-12)
Charlotte Bobcats (2008, 2012)
Chicago Bulls (2005, 2009-12)
Cleveland Cavaliers (2004-12)
Dallas Mavericks (2005-12)
Denver Nuggets (2004-12)
Golden State Warriors (2005-12)
L.A. Clippers (2005-12)
L.A. Lakers (2007-12)
Memphis Grizzlies (2007-12)
Miami Heat (2010-12)
Milwaukee Bucks (2007-12)
Minnesota Timberwolves (2006-12)
NBA D-League Select (2009-12)
New Orleans Pelicans (2005-12)
New York Knicks (2005-12)
Phoenix Suns (2004-12)
Portland Trail Blazers (2005-12)
Sacramento Kings (2005-12)
San Antonio Spurs (2007-12)
Toronto Raptors (2008-12)
Washington Wizards (2004-12)

Sources: Relationship Between Hollins, Randolph Strained At Times

Tue, 28 May 2013 13:42:12 EDT

Lionel Hollins' relationship with Zach Randolph has been strained at times throughout the Memphis Grizzlies' season, according to sources.

With the Grizzlies' season over in a sweep to the San Antonio Spurs in the Western Conference finals, Hollins will be a free agent coach.

Randolph averaged just 10.4 points in the series.

Both Hollins and Grizzlies management appear to want to stay together.

Tony Allen Hopes To Re-Sign With Grizzlies

Sat, 25 May 2013 19:41:17 EDT

Tony Allen will be an unrestricted free agent at season's end, but the 31-year-old defensive specialist would prefer to remain a Memphis Grizzly.

"I don't even understand the business side," Allen said. "When July hits, somebody is going to have to sit me down and explain it. All I know is I'm a Grizzly and I believe I'm going to be a Grizzly when it's over with.

"I bleed blue. I think they going to keep me. But if they don't, I understand.

"I don't even think about it now. I just play. I love being in Memphis. I love the city. Hopefully I stay here. It feels like home."

Allen is earning a reported $3.3 million this season.

Mavericks Interested In Jarrett Jack, Bayless

Thu, 23 May 2013 12:58:59 EDT

The Dallas Mavericks are expected to pursue Jarrett Jack and Jerryd Bayless, according to a source.

The Mavericks will first pursue Dwight Howard and Chris Paul, but both are considered relative longshots.

Both Jack and Bayless have been key reserves during the playoffs for the Warriors and Grizzlies, respectively.

Levien: Grizzlies Using Analytics To Manage Salary Cap

Thu, 23 May 2013 11:29:15 EDT

The Memphis Grizzlies are using advanced analytics to manage the salary cap.

“People talk about analytics in evaluating players, but there’s a lot of analytics around the salary cap,” said Josh Levien, the first-year CEO of the Grizzlies. “How much should we spend for a player at a certain position and what role he’s going to play? So that’s a lot of what we’ve done and are working on, is salary-cap analytics, being thoughtful about how we structure our roster and how we can get the best bang for our buck.”

The collective bargaining agreement imposes unprecedented penalties on teams exceeding the cap.

“With the rules set up the way they are, there’s minimal room for error,” Levien said. “You’ve got to be very thoughtful in your approach to how you build your team, how you build a roster, and you’ve got to keep the cap and the tax in mind.”

NBA Has Lowest Rated Conference Final Opener Since 2007 In Spurs/Grizzlies

Tue, 21 May 2013 13:35:15 EDT

The San Antonio Spurs' victory over the Memphis Grizzlies in Game 1 on Sunday drew a 3.9 overnight rating on ABC Sunday afternoon.

That is down 41 percent from the Miami Heat/Boston Celtics Game 1 on ESPN last season and down 26 percent from the Oklahoma City Thunder/Dallas Mavericks Game 1 on ESPN in 2011.

The game ranks as the lowest rated conference final opener since 2007 when the Cleveland Cavaliers/Detroit Pistons drew a 3.5 on TNT.

San Antonio is the 36th larget market, while Memphis ranks 49th.

The NBA hopes to soon negotiate new television contracts with their national partners. While the league is generally seen to be on the rise, the new collective bargaining agreement favors parity and incoming commissioner, Adam Silver, has made it an expected touchstone of his regime to continue that trend.

Chris Wallace Hoping To Stay As Grizzlies GM

Sun, 19 May 2013 13:33:47 EDT

Chris Wallace has years left on his contract as the Memphis Grizzlies' general manager, but he has no guarantees moving forward.

Still, Wallace wants to remain with the organization.

“I hope to be able to stay here,” Wallace said.

Wallace's vision has been validated this postseason, when the core of the team that he assembled has led the Grizzlies to the Western Conference finals.

“I never looked for vindication. That’s not something that motivates me,” Wallace said. “Winning takes care of all issues in this league. We felt we had to take chances.”

Marc Gasol Fails To Land On All-Defensive First Team After Winning DPOY

Mon, 13 May 2013 15:07:45 EDT

Tony Allen and Miami LeBron James headline the 2012-13 NBA All-Defensive first team, the NBA announced on Monday.

Joining Allen and James on the NBA All-Defensive First Team are Chris Paul and Serge Ibaka. Rounding out the First Team are centers Tyson Chandler of the New York Knicks and Joakim Noah of the Chicago Bulls, who tied in votes for the honor.

Marc Gasol landed on the All-Defensive second team after winning this season's Defensive Player of the Year. Along with Gasol, the second team consists of guards Avery Bradley and Mike Conley and forwards Tim Duncan and Paul George.

NBA coaches voted for the All-Defensive teams.

Hollins Confident He'll Return As Grizzlies Coach

Sat, 11 May 2013 11:48:56 EDT

Lionel Hollins is confident he’ll return as coach of the Memphis Grizzlies next season.

"The only conversations we've had is they said they wanted me back," Hollins said. "After we lost the first two games to the Clippers, we had a friendly conversation about the series and how they just wanted me personally to know that regardless of what's being said out there, this is how they felt.

"That was great."

Hollins hopes to return in his current capacity for the 2013-14 season.

"There's no question," Hollins said. "When you build something, you want to see it through to the fruition of it all.”

Grizzlies Want To Make Durant Work For Everything, Avoid Putting Him On Line

Thu, 09 May 2013 10:48:20 EDT

The Memphis Grizzlies are allowing Kevin Durant to average 35.5 points, 13 rebounds and 7.5 assists over the first two games of their series against the Oklahoma city Thunder.

“We want to (cut off Durant’s supporting cast), but you still can’t let him get 50," said Lionel Hollins. "We want to make him work and take a lot of shots. We don’t want to put him on the free throw line. It takes a lot of energy to be an offensive player, regardless of what people think, especially when you have the ball in your hand the majority of the time. We want to work him on that end and work him on the defensive end. We want to run and make him play the entire game.”

Grizzlies' Joerger Compared To Thibodeau

Tue, 07 May 2013 13:20:05 EDT

David Joerger, currently an assistant coach under Lionel Hollins with the Memphis Grizzlies, is considered one of the top candidates for head coaching jobs in the future.

Joerger's assent to the NBA began in the IBA, CBA and D-League.

“He loves the craft,” said one NBA general manager. “Look what he’s done with [the Memphis] defense. He’s got Thibodeau’s thing for defense, but he’s a lot more likable than Thibs.” 

Joerger is known for having a great understanding of what each player on a roster can and cannot do, maximizing their strengths.

Marc Gasol Named Defensive Player Of The Year

Wed, 24 Apr 2013 12:05:29 EDT

Marc Gasol has been named the NBA's Defensive Player of the Year.

LeBron James finished second, with Serge Ibaka finishing third.

Joakim Noah and Tony Allen finished fourth and fifth respectively.

Tyson Chandler and Dwight Howard are the two most recent winners of the award. Howard was tied for 14th this season.

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