Marc Gasol claims he had nothing to do with Fizdale firing
Marc Gasol has put to rest the idea that he is to blame for the firing of head coach David Fizdale.
There's been plenty of speculation that Fizdale was handed his walking papers Monday due to his inability to get along with the Memphis Grizzlies star. Gasol refuted these whispers in an interview with Sports 56, suggesting he was "shocked" by the firing.
"No. Not at all." Gasol told host Peter Edminston when asked if he demanded that the club sack Fizdale.
Gasol added: "I spoke to (owner) Robert (Pera) - I found out after the decision was made. They let me know the direction but not before the decision was made."
As for the potential "coach-killer" label he may have acquired from around the league, Gasol understands that's out of his hands and that his main priority is winning.
"That's all right," Gasol said. "There's nothing I can do about that. Nothing I can do. All I can do is win, try to figure out (the problem), own my part, my responsibility for the record we have."
With all the injuries that the Grizzlies have suffered so far, Gasol has been forced to take on a larger role. The increased usage has improved his numbers in certain areas but has hurt his overall efficiency. He's shooting a career-low 41.8 percent from the field with a below-average 52.6 true shooting percentage.
- With h/t to NBC Sports