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Memphis Grizzlies fire David Fizdale; JB Bickerstaff will be interim head coach

By Brendan Smart

LOS ANGELES, CA - NOVEMBER 4: Coach David Fizdale reacts to a call by the referee during the second half of the basketball game against LA Clippers at Staples Center November 4, 2017, in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CA - NOVEMBER 4: Coach David Fizdale reacts to a call by the referee during the second half of the basketball game against LA Clippers at Staples Center November 4, 2017, in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images) /
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Monday afternoon, Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN, released breaking news that the Memphis Grizzlies fired head coach David Fizdale. J.B. Bickerstaff will serve as interim head coach.

Following a hot start to the 2017-2018 season, the Memphis Grizzlies entered an 8 game losing streak that broke the camels back, camel as in Marc Gasol. The 7’1″ center took his frustration into the locker room after not playing in the final minutes of the fourth quarter.

Now that David Fizdale is out, the Memphis Grizzlies assistant coach J.B. Bickerstaff will now face another interim head coaching role. Bickerstaff coached the season out in Houston when they fired Kevin McHale back in 2016. Bickerstaff did a solid job that season, but he only had so much voice in a locker room led by James Harden. Now, with Mike Conley, Marc Gasol, general manager Chris Wallace and Ed Semansky, will Bickerstaff have any say? It seems like when coaches have an opinion against Gasol, or call out his leadership, they’re the ones heading out the door.

This is one of the worst decisions made in franchise history

The Memphis Grizzlies still have 63 games left to play, and had so much to play for. Conley, rehabbing from a sore achilles, should be returning soon, and an ownership makes an impulse decision like this. Now, Grizzlies minority owners will have to think twice before putting their bid in on this team. This isn’t good. No head coach equals no future and instability between players and front office. No one named Marc Gasol and Chris Wallace is promised job security.

Why would you side with Wallace?

I’m literally asking you this question.

A guy with so many failed draft picks, free agency failures, and lack of respect from the media still has a job. Numerous future draft picks traded away (which he wouldn’t have hit on) and underwhelming free agent signings. Wallace seems to be the puppet of the the Grizzlies “chaos” show.

The NBA has zero respect for this franchise, now.

The NBA reacts

Are Grizzlies fans pissed? Yes, as they should be, and I’ve thought about putting my words into this article, but I’m going to let the NBA stars react for me.

LeBron James and Dwyane Wade played three years in Miami with the Heat where Fizdale was the assistant coach.

Gabrielle Union, wife of Dwayne Wade and lifelong friend of Fizdale, hits the nail on the head with this tweet.

Next: Where's the owner during this turmoil?

For the sake of Grizzlies fans, I hope that justice is served to Fizdale for getting the cold shoulder from an organization that’s used to doing this. It’s so clear what needs to be done next, but hasn’t happened yet.

One thing is clear, David Fizdale shouldn;t be heading out the door this early into his Grizzlies coaching career.

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