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Memphis Grizzlies: Inclusion of Women on Coaching Staff is Only a Matter of Time

By Christian Dudley

SACRAMENTO, CA - OCTOBER 24: Head coach J.B. Bickerstaff of the Memphis Grizzlies coaches against the Sacramento Kings on October 24, 2018 at Golden 1 Center in Sacramento, California. 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 Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Rocky Widner/NBAE via Getty Images)
SACRAMENTO, CA - OCTOBER 24: Head coach J.B. Bickerstaff of the Memphis Grizzlies coaches against the Sacramento Kings on October 24, 2018 at Golden 1 Center in Sacramento, California. 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 Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Rocky Widner/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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It only makes sense for a woman to join the Memphis Grizzlies’ coaching staff when the opportunity presents itself.

The Memphis Grizzlies have one of the most well-rounded coaching staffs that you will find in the 2018-19 NBA season. The key similarity the majority of the bunch shares is NBA playing experience.

Grizzlies Head Coach J.B. Bickerstaff has assembled a knowledgeable group with quite the résumé in his first true, full-time season at the helm of Memphis’ ship.

Jerry Stackhouse spent 18 seasons in the NBA. Nick Van Exel lasted 13 seasons. Greg Buckner appeared for 10. Contributing in the association for 11 seasons was Vitaly Potapenko. Another key impact for this year’s Grizzlies group in a behind-the-scenes role is Tayshaun Prince, acting as the Grizzlies’ Assistant to the General Manager.

Some of the best coaching and management found within the NBA is via former players. Being able to teach the game’s young stars by speaking to relatable scenarios, situations, and instances is invaluable. Look at Steve Kerr and the Golden State Warriors. Even Luke Walton and the Los Angeles Lakers fall into this category of discussion. The list goes on.

This is a winning trend in the NBA that makes a lot of sense. Another key to success is the welcoming of women to NBA benches.

On Friday, news broke that the Denver Nuggets have added WNBA legend Sue Bird to their organization. Though Bird will not be on the sidelines in a coaching role with the Nuggets, it is another major step forward for women assuming professional roles in the NBA.

Over the past couple of years, women have slowly been entering the NBA. Tamika Catchings assists the Indiana Pacers with a variety of responsibilities. Kristi Toliver is currently an Assistant Coach for the Washington Wizards while being employed by the WNBA’s Washington Mystics, which is a truly remarkable story in and of itself. Becky Hammon is now in her fourth season of being an integral component of the San Antonio Spurs‘ coaching staff and continues to knock down barriers as the years pass by.

Women are going to be prominent in the NBA and that is something that everyone should embrace. Especially Grizz Nation.

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When considering women in coaching and managerial roles within the NBA, it is an excellent thing. In looking at the aforementioned WNBA players’ professional careers, those are some of the best female athletes that competitive sports have ever seen. WNBA or NBA, professional basketball, at the end of the day, is still professional basketball.

The WNBA and its players does not receive nearly enough credit, though they are finally receiving some notice. Their revenue cannot touch the NBA’s profitability, but the year-over-year popularity increase is definitely present.

Face it. These women know their basketball, and they can — and will — find success in the NBA. It was only a matter of time until women began to land roles on teams’ coaching staffs, earn Front Office gigs, and more. This is just the beginning.

On the Memphis Grizzlies’ front, it should come as no surprise when a woman is hired to be one of J.B. Bickerstaff’s assistants and/or assumes a Front Office role when the opportunity presents itself.

Look at the Grizzlies’ revamped coaching staff for the 2018-19 season. The common theme is professional basketball playing experience. This aspect is huge for connecting with a team’s youthful players and being able to see eye to eye. A greater level of respect is achievable from this, too.

Take notice of Becky Hammon and the success she has had with the San Antonio Spurs. She has had her hand at head coaching via that club’s Summer League journey. She has been able to gain respect from the Spurs organization’s youngsters in addition to veteran players.

With the Memphis Grizzlies’ Jerry Stackhouse having interviewed for NBA head coaching positions in the past, it should be expected that his days are numbered underneath Bickerstaff. Nick Van Exel was a top name on the New York Knicks‘ radar this past offseason. Memphis has a great group of basketball minds on the sidelines and openings will be posted in due time.

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Whether it is Hammon, Bird, Catchings, Toliver, or a different woman in sports, this is a tremendous movement in the world of sports. It is one of many reasons why the NBA is so great and continues to be a world leader in the professional sports world. For the Memphis Grizzlies, this may open yet another door for their success this decade.

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