Grizzlies GM: Decision to fire Joerger 'not personal'
At first glance, the Memphis Grizzlies' dismissal of Dave Joerger may seem surprising, but a deeper dive indicates a fractured relationship between the coach and management going back almost to the beginning of Joerger's tenure.
On Saturday, however, Grizzlies general manager Chris Wallace stressed that the choice to part ways wasn't about that fractured relationship.
"This decision was not personal," Wallace told the team's website. "It's about what I believe best positions us to compete for an NBA championship, based on my 30 years of NBA experience."
Rumors first swirled about a possible dismissal when the Grizzlies stumbled to a 3-6 start this season.
"The decision was not about Dave's in-game coaching," Wallace said, pointing out it was his call and not that of owner Robert Pera. "Dave did an admirable job managing games. However, being an NBA head coach is about more than just coaching a 48-minute game."
Joerger compiled a 147-99 record in three years at the helm. Inheriting the position from Lionel Hollins in 2013, the coach continued the "Grit 'n' Grind" culture of the Grizzlies organization, averaging 49 wins a season and reaching the second round of the playoffs in 2015.
Behind the scenes, though, tensions reportedly escalated between Joerger and management. The 42-year-old coach had grown belligerent toward many in the organization, according to The Vertical's Adrian Wojnarowski, and again asked for permission to interview with other teams.
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After only one season on the job in 2014, Joerger almost bolted for his home-state Minnesota Timberwolves, but decided to remain in Memphis at the last minute. At the time, the coach and Pera appeared to patch up rumored differences, which reportedly included the owner's displeasure with Joerger for talking Tony Allen out of a 1-on-1 game with him.
Only a month later, the Grizzlies took Jordan Adams at No. 22 in the draft. Joerger made it no secret he instead wanted to select Rodney Hood, who was picked next and has gone on to fill the sort of role with the Utah Jazz that the Grizzlies desperately needed the past two seasons.
Wallace appeared to counter that Saturday.
"We actively sought Dave's input and thoughts on player personnel decisions, including all drafts, trades, and free agency," he said. "And frankly, decisions in recent years were made with Dave's close involvement."
The Grizzlies, cursed by injuries this season, set an NBA record by suiting up 28 players over the course of the campaign. Despite the horrible luck, the resilient squad still managed to win 42 games and reach the playoffs as the seventh seed in the West. Following their four-game sweep at the hands of the San Antonio Spurs, Joerger broke down in front of reporters and tearfully paid tribute to a team that wouldn't quit.
"I can't tell you enough of how proud I am of every guy that's in that locker room and has come through that locker room," Joerger said. "This season's been hard. It's been really hard."
It turned out to be his last public act as Grizzlies coach.