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A Shift in the Memphis Grizzlies Front Office?

By Brendan Smart

MEMPHIS, TN - AUGUST 1: Robert J. Pera and Chris Wallace of the Memphis Grizzlies address the media during a press conference introducing front office additions on August 1, 2014 at FedEx Forum 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 2014 NBAE (Photo by Joe Murphy/NBAE via Getty Images)
MEMPHIS, TN - AUGUST 1: Robert J. Pera and Chris Wallace of the Memphis Grizzlies address the media during a press conference introducing front office additions on August 1, 2014 at FedEx Forum 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 2014 NBAE (Photo by Joe Murphy/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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The Memphis Grizzlies front office is known for botching offseason moves, as well as draft decisions. What makes this offseason different, and who is actually in charge in Memphis?

The situation in Memphis is tricky, but after talking to a source close to the situation, it all makes sense. Heading into the NBA Draft on June 21st, I wanted to give Memphis Grizzlies fans some insight after numerous failed draft picks under current General Manager Chris Wallace. I’ve heard the question raised, “who is making the draft picks this season?” After talking to a source, “as most things involving the Grizzlies, it’s as clear as mud, but [Chris] Makris will have a huge input on this pick.”

Makris was the General Manager of the Grizzlies’ Developmental League team in Iowa before moving to Southaven, Mississippi, which became the Memphis Hustle. He has held this position for a total of 10 seasons as a G-League General Manager, including this past season in which Makris has been scouting for the Grizzlies No. 4 and No. 32 overall draft picks.

What does owner Robert Pera think of Makris?

“Jed Kaplan speaks highly of him and when they brought him here originally, it was because all of them were impressed with him. They wanted him to run the [Memphis] Hustle, but [Robert] Pera was really blown away by him and put him into that player development role.”  The source talked about how other members of management think of Makris.

How involved has Makris been in the draft process?

“He has been doing most of the scouting this season, and has been on the road.” According to the source, “I would say Wallace is the figure head and the one they roll out (in front of the media), but I don’t think Makris reports to him. “It’s weird, but honestly, I would say it’s Pera, [Joe] Abadi and Makris that will make the pick with input from Wallace, Hollinger and Davide Prada, their foreign scout. They will get input from Tayshaun [Prince] as well, but not sure how much that will count.”

Why wasn’t Wallace fired this season/off season?

“It’s a weird thing that front office and I think that the real reason Pera didn’t fire Wallace is simple. He isn’t really in charge anymore and they will roll him out to do the Wallace thing, which is talk for 15 minutes, say a lot, but not say anything — if that makes sense.”

A possible change coming soon?

“Possibly, because Wallace signed a new contract in 2016 and to present stability is likely why there hasn’t been a change, but the future GM might already be on the staff,” the source ended with.

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