Beale Street Bears
Fansided

Memphis Grizzlies’ J.B. Bickerstaff Entering Coach of the Year Conversation

By Blake Monroe

WASHINGTON, DC - DECEMBER 13: Head coach J.B. Bickerstaff of the Memphis Grizzlies looks on in the second half against the Washington Wizards at Capital One Arena on December 13, 2017 in Washington, DC. 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 Rob Carr/Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC - DECEMBER 13: Head coach J.B. Bickerstaff of the Memphis Grizzlies looks on in the second half against the Washington Wizards at Capital One Arena on December 13, 2017 in Washington, DC. 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 Rob Carr/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit

After Saturday’s comeback victory over one of the most dominant teams in the NBA, is it too early to label the Memphis Grizzlies’ J.B. Bickerstaff as Coach of the Year?

The Memphis Grizzlies, now 7-4, have come out hot this season as they remain the only undefeated team at home in the Western Conference. 5-0 on Beale Street makes them one of the fiercest teams to take on in home situations.

The Grizzlies came back last night from a 16-point deficit to defeat the Philadelphia 76ers. Marc Gasol played Tony Allen-esque defense to hold Joel Embiid to only 14 points last night on 4/15 shooting. Embiid is a player that has been averaging twice that many all season.

This is not the only major team that the Memphis Grizzlies have beat this season. Just the other night, they were able to grind out a win over the No. 2 club in the Western Conference, the Denver Nuggets.

If these dominant wins continue, along with the consistent defensive numbers, then is it too early to ask “will J.B Bickerstaff be considered for Coach of the Year?”

Taking a team that only won 22 games last season to a team that has, again, become a true competitor in the West is quite an accomplishment. Plus, Bickerstaff has only owned the label of “full-time” head coach for a few months now.

This is just a question to think about early in the season, but one that is not out of the question. J.B. Bickerstaff’s name was not in the conversation heading into training camp just weeks ago. If anything, he is forcing the NBA world to take notice of his stifling squad.

dark. Next. 3 Keys to Victory: Memphis Grizzlies Stun Philadelphia in Overtime

As of now, the Memphis Grizzlies rank fifth in the West, putting them in the top-10 overall in the NBA. As the Grizzlies take on the Utah Jazz for the third time this season on Monday, be looking for J.B. Bickerstaff to steer his team to victory yet again.

Home/Grizzlies News