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Memphis Grizzlies: 3 reasons JB Bickerstaff needs to be the permanent head coach

By Parker Fleming

MEMPHIS, TN - FEBRUARY 7: Head Coach J.B. Bickerstaff of the Memphis Grizzlies speaks to the team during the game against the Utah Jazz on February 7, 2018 at FedExForum in Memphis, Tennessee. 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Joe Murphy/NBAE via Getty Images)
MEMPHIS, TN - FEBRUARY 7: Head Coach J.B. Bickerstaff of the Memphis Grizzlies speaks to the team during the game against the Utah Jazz on February 7, 2018 at FedExForum in Memphis, Tennessee. 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Joe Murphy/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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TORONTO, ON – FEBRUARY 4: Marc Gasol
TORONTO, ON – FEBRUARY 4: Marc Gasol /

No. 1: He’s getting along with the players

Bickerstaff’s relationship with the players since taking over as head coach has been fantastic.

There hasn’t been any noticeably tension between him and other players. The players haven’t inadvertently taken shots at him to the media. He simply has his fans in the locker room.

More importantly, Marc Gasol is happy. At the start of the season, in the midst of their 12-game losing streak, he could sense his passive-aggressiveness and frustration from a mile away. You can catch the shots he took at Dave Fizdale and at his teammates.

Since Bickerstaff has taken over, Gasol has transformed into a new character. The passive-aggressiveness is still there but less often. You can also sense his patience with the young players. In addition, you haven’t seen tension between the coach and their star.

Because of their steady relationship, Bickerstaff seems like a seamless hire. Everyone knows that Gasol’s displeasure with Fizdale led to his demise. If they really want to keep treating Gasol like James and include him in personnel decisions, Bickerstaff needs to be the head coach.

Why potentially damage their relationship with their captain by making an unnecessary coaching hire? At this point, it’s all about establishing some sort of continuity, as the team has had three different permanent head coaches since 2017.

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