Lionel Hollins Hopes to Stay in Memphis, Clippers Interested

May 27, 2013; Memphis, TN, USA; Memphis Grizzlies head coach Lionel Hollins in the second half of game four of the Western Conference finals of the 2013 NBA Playoffs against the San Antonio Spurs at FedEx Forum. Mandatory Credit: Spruce Derden-USA TODAY Sports

Lionel Hollins, whose contract with the Grizzlies expires on June 30th, has said (according to ESPN) that he “loves everybody associates with [the Memphis Grizzlies]” and that he “hopes” to stay with the team.  He also recognizes that the Memphis front office may not be quite so keen to keep him on, and that he may get a much better contract offer from another team. The Clippers, in particular, have expressed interest, and Hollins says that he has to remain “realistic” about what his future might hold.

Memphis seems determined to not allow other teams access to Hollins, though the front office is keeping tight lipped on the whole hiring process, so it’s hard to know what their plans are for sure.  At any rate, other teams were denied access during the playoffs, and Hollins himself seems to think that other teams won’t be allowed to interview him.

The team itself won’t say whether they’re interested in resigning Hollins or letting him go, but it does seem clear that they won’t make a move until Hollins’ contract has actually expired.  As well, this was also reported:

Whether “expeditiously” means that Memphis is interested and will hope to resign quickly, or if it means that they’ll just let him go and make an end of it, or if it even means anything at all, is unclear. Personally, I get the sense that it means that Memphis will make their offer and let Hollins make a decision as he sees fit once the offer is made.

I will say though, I have little to base that off of other than Hollins’ role with the Grizzlies up to this point: Hollins has been crucial to Memphis’ success, so the office won’t just let him walk, but the office and Hollins have also had their conflicts, so perhaps they won’t pursue him like they might otherwise.  But, again, that’s just the sense I’m getting, nothing more.

The Grizzlies might have to make a pretty attractive first offer to hold onto Hollins if that’s the case, though.  The Clippers are reportedly very interested in him. Donald Sterling was actually at Game 1 of the Western Conference Finals in person to scout out Hollins, and they’ve made their intention to interview him clear. With their now big-market resources and high hopes for success, the Clippers would almost surely be willing and able to make a strong push for Hollins if they decide to go that way.

On the other hand, the Clippers have also reported very strong interest in Jeff Van Gundy, according to multiple sources, including a radio interview where Van Gundy called the Clippers, “a very good team,” implying some interest. The Clippers have said that they wanted a new coach by draft day, and since Hollins isn’t available until the start of free agency, JVG would make much more sense as the Clippers’ hire.

The Nets, also, have expressed interest in both Hollins and JVG, though with the interest tilting towards Van Gundy. The Nets, however, are progressing much more slowly with their coaching search and have not made any noteworthy moves.

As it stands, it’s nice to hear that Hollins would like to return, but there’s a lot that needs to happen before we know for sure whether he will or not.