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The Memphis Grizzlies and Lionel Hollins parted ways shortly after the Grizzlies were blown away by the San Antonio Spurs in the Western Conference playoffs. It seemed like Hollins was going to land a job before Memphis could pick its next head coach but that does not seem to be the case anymore as reports indicate that Dave Joerger will become the next head coach of the team.
Dave Joerger you ask?
Well, yes, he is a relative no name assistant coach. He has not gained as much popularity in the assistant coach field as much as the likes of Brian Shaw, who was hired by the Denver Nuggets Monday evening. Joerger learned under Hollins and could be everything Hollins was and more.
Joerger spent the last six seasons with the Grizzlies as an assistant coach. He has spent much time through each level of basketball gaining experience in the International Basketball Association, Continental Basketball Association and the United States Basketball League. Joerger knows the game well enough and has a sleek arsenal of players that could get to the NBA Finals by next year.
Credit Joerger with how the team plays defense and with him becoming the head coach, Memphis’ defense may only get better. Hollins promoted him to lead assistant in 2011 putting him in charge of the defense and look where it got the Grizzlies.
Joerger knows the game of basketball very well and teaches defense outstandingly. He is very involved with advanced statistics, which supplements his defensive knowledge.
This move to promote him to head coach is an underrated move but could provide dividends in the future.
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