Memphis Grizzlies: Enough is Enough
On Monday afternoon, former Memphis Grizzlies guard Tyreke Evans’ brother was a guest on the Jason and John show on 92.9 ESPN in Memphis. Evans’ brother revealed some things that pushed fans over the edge.
I am going to take you back on a journey that fans of the Memphis Grizzlies would like to forget. The question you are probably asking yourself is “which bad journey?” A question that any Memphis basketball fan should not have to ponder, but here we are.
It all starts around late-January, when the Grizzlies sent guard Tyreke Evans home because “things started heating up, and there was a risk that (Tyreke) could get hurt,” General Manager Chris Wallace said.
BREAKING ON 92.9FM: Grizzlies Insider Mike Wallace just reported on 92.9 that Tyreke Evans isn't at the arena now in Indy. Trade likely looming.
— 929ESPN (@929espn) January 31, 2018
Evans was in ‘serious’ trade discussions, and be on his way out the door was just too easy for this front office.
It is now February ninth, a day after the trade deadline, and Tyreke Evans did not get traded because the “trades were not sufficient for a guy of that caliber,” Wallace said when addressing media the day after the deadline. He was also quoted saying that the reason he did not trade Evans was for the future. Wallace’s full media availability is can be viewed here.
That meant the Memphis Grizzlies would offer Tyreke Evans the full Mid-Level Exception (MLE) in the upcoming free-agency period. Hearing that calmed down a very frustrated fan base, at least for the time being.
The Grizzlies’ internal media spun the situation, and made it seem like Memphis had plans to re-sign Evans this offseason.
The offseason arrives, and for the first time in seven years, the Grizzlies are not participating in the NBA Playoffs. Evans, among other teammates, are getting workouts in during their offseason. Tyreke’s brother joined the J&J Show on 92.9 ESPN to discuss ‘Reke and his season in Memphis. “They sent him home because he was playing too good,” his brother said. “He just landed in Memphis at 5 A.M., and is about to hit the court.” His brother continued, “He loves this city and wants to be here.”
That interview was over a month ago, but today, a day after free-agency started, and Memphis has yet to make contact with Evans.
Tyreke Evans has not been contacted by the Grizzlies, according to his brother on the show just now.
— John Martin (@JohnMartin929) July 2, 2018
According to Tyreke’s brother, who is also ‘Reke’s managing assistant, the team has not reached out to Evans, but his brother said if the Memphis Grizzlies wanted to hold a last minute meeting with them, they would listen.
Tyreke Evans' brother: "If the Grizzlies asked us for a last-minute meeting, we would take it." Sounds like his decision will come down to Thunder, Lakers, Warriors, or Hornets, and soon.
— John Martin (@JohnMartin929) July 2, 2018
It is time.
If this does not ended Chris Wallace’s time in Memphis, I do not know what else could possibly end it. It almost feels like he is trying to see how far he can push the fan base before he finally gets the boot. Sending a guy home before the trade deadline, okay. Not trading him at the deadline, and calming the fan base down by saying that there is mutual interest in one another when free-agency opens up, and then not contacting the guy when free-agency opens is the ultimate troll move.
It is unprofessional, it is not smart, it is not a business decision, and that is this Grizzlies’ Front Office. Appearing on your internal media podcast show, as owner Robert Pera did, and making a prediction about this team winning 50-plus games this season is unprofessional. If Pera showed up to some games, I would understand the excitement, but I cannot recall the last time Pera attended a Grizz game.
It is time to let unbiased reporting back in, and not only to press conferences, but to every event. The one time the owner is in town, and he goes on a show that he signs the check for. That is biased. Get a General Manager that will respect the local media, because getting interrupted when getting exposed is getting old. Every organization has its own spin on things, but the Memphis Grizzlies just spin themselves in circles, and it has been happening for years now.
If Pera is fully committed to Memphis, cut ties with Wallace, John Hollinger, and whoever else he has running this team, and put the trust elsewhere. Chris Makris should be the only voice in the front office outside of a guy that is a voice for the players in Tayshaun Prince. Give the fans some structure, and a reason to believe again, not only in wins, but in a direction.