Lionel Hollins did something that no one in sports thought was possible. Hollins surprised the entire NBA by leading the Memphis Grizzlies to the Western Conference Finals.
However, Hollins is now unemployed after the Grizzlies fired him. Once a laughing stock of the league, the Grizzlies were turned around after Hollins developed the squad and turned the team into contenders. In 2012-13, the Grizzlies outlasted Western Conference favorites such as the OKC Thunder, L.A. Lakers and L.A. Clippers until losing to the San Antonio Spurs.
The Grizzlies playoff run was more impressive considering the team traded their leading scorer, Rudy Gay, in the middle of the season to the Toronto Raptors. Hollins protested the trade, knowing that the trade would eventually hurt the team during the playoffs. While playing against the Spurs in the playoffs, the Grizzlies lacked a go-to player during the waning minutes of games. As a result, they were swept.
Hollins and many Grizzlies fans believed the team would have gone further with Gay.
Hollins’ firing proves that many NBA executives are inadequate when it comes to decision-making. Most continue to stay employed only because of their relationships.
Hollins could possibly become a candidate for the L.A. Clippers opening.
