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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: Wayne Selden Jr.
TORONTO, ON – FEBRUARY 4: Wayne Selden Jr. /

No. 2: The young guys are developing

When the Memphis Grizzlies hired Dave Fizdale, he was praised for his ability to develop players. It was easy to see that, as unheralded players like Hassan Whiteside, Tyler Johnson and Josh Richardson thrived in Miami during Fizdale’s assistant coach tenure.

When he came to Memphis, he wasn’t getting enough time, but the young players didn’t make much progress. Dillon Brooks immediately broke on the scene as a NBA player; there wasn’t any Fizdale magic to it. At the start of the season, Andrew Harrison didn’t look much different from his rookie year. He wasn’t force-feeding Deyonta Davis the time he needed. The first-round picks weren’t successful, as Wade Baldwin isn’t even on the team and Jarell Martin was almost cut.

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Once Bickerstaff took over, the young guys were set free, and they’ve made significant strides throughout the season. Though he didn’t have much of a choice due to injuries, he’s given the young players ample time, and they’re making progress.

Andrew Harrison is significantly more confident and comfortable. Deyonta Davis looks like a solid backup center right now and has potential to be the starting center in the post-Gasol era. Jarell Martin has flourished in his third year as a rotation player. Wayne Selden and Dillon Brooks are keepers on the wings. Ivan Rabb has also flashed promise as a starting big man.

In terms of player development, they need to keep JB Bickerstaff. One bad outside hire can stunt their development.

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