The Memphis Grizzlies made it seem as if J.B. Bickerstaff and Chris Wallace would be leading this team next season, but after a surprising twist, they have decided to make some changes.
The Memphis Grizzlies had an up and down season, but they had started to play much better to end the season. J.B. Bickerstaff had done a good job with these young guys and it seems as if they were looking to build on that going forward. He isn’t the only one being removed from their current job as Chris Wallace has been reassigned to a scouting role.
The Grizzlies dismissed coach J.B. Bickerstaff and reassigned GM Chris Wallace to a scouting capacity in the front office, league sources tell ESPN. VP John Hollinger will also move into a senior advisory role.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) April 11, 2019
They will not be given the chance to build on their recent success as the team has decided to make big changes. It’s far to early to name a coach, but they have already made some changes to the front office. The Grizzlies have decided to promote both Jason Wexler and Zach Kleiman.
Sources: The Grizzlies are promoting Jason Wexler to President, overseeing both business and basketball -- and Zach Kleiman to Executive VP of Basketball Operations as the day-to-day lead on basketball matters. https://t.co/AWOekLnBF4
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) April 11, 2019
There is a lot to break down from this, but it will be interesting to see how the players take this. Mike Conley didn’t appear happy about the direction of the team, but now he might have more confidence going forward. C.J. Miles also made it known he intended on opting into his player option, but maybe he will reconsider doing so.
A couple of other guys with decisions to be made are Justin Holiday and Jonas Valanciunas. They both enjoyed playing for Bickerstaff so this could hurt the chances that they return. Delon Wright is another guy who excelled recently and he is a restricted free agent so the front office may have to decide whether or not to match an offer for him if he opts to go elsewhere.
A lot will happen in the coming weeks, but big changes needed to be made and here they are. J.B. Bickerstaff did a fine job with this team, but they decided to move on and we have to respect their decision. This Thursday afternoon Woj Bomb will lead to big changes in Memphis.