Chris Wallace, Grizzlies GM, Comments on Decision to Fire Dave Joerger

Memphis Grizzlies general manager Chris Wallace offered insight into his decision to fire head coach Dave Joerger on Saturday, saying it was not about personal animosity or his in-game basketball moves.   

"The decision was not about [Joerger's] in-game coaching," Wallace said in a Q&A with the team's official website. "[Joerger] did an admirable job managing games. However, being an NBA head coach is about more than just coaching a 48-minute game.

"Nothing about this decision was personal," Wallace continued. "Neither I, nor anyone in our front office has anything against [Joerger] as a person. This decision is solely about what I believe is best for the organization."

Joerger, 42, compiled a 147-99 record in three seasons as Grizzlies coach. His .598 winning percentage is the best in franchise history, and Memphis made the playoffs in 2015-16 despite massive roster upheaval. He helped foster the grit-'n-grind mentality that began under former coach Lionel Hollins and took the Grizzlies to the conference semifinals last season. 

However, Joerger's tenure was fraught with constant tension. He nearly bolted after his first season for the Minnesota Timberwolves job before being brought back; he was also on the hot seat as recently as December. 

Most of the issues consisted of your typical behind-the-scenes NBA stuff. Some of the Grizzlies brain trust responsible for Joerger's hiring have long since been let go. Adrian Wojnarowski of The Vertical reported Joerger's critical (public and private) stance on player personnel moves only worsened matters. Wojnarowski pointed to the drafting of Jordan Adams over Rodney Hood and the trades of Jeff Green and Courtney Lee as examples.

"We actively sought [Joerger's] input and thoughts on player personnel decisions, including all drafts, trades and free agency," Wallace said, per the team website. "And frankly, decisions in recent years were made with [Joerger's] close involvement."

Joerger's unhappiness reportedly carried over into this offseason, as he was looking to interview for the vacant Sacramento Kings and Houston Rockets jobs, per Wojnarowski. Left with the decision between allowing his head coach to seek employment elsewhere for the second time or making a move, Wallace fired Joerger with an eye toward finding a long-term fit. 

"This decision is about ensuring stability for years to come," Wallace said. "We are a stable and unified organization and one of only three teams to have made the playoffs for six straight years. We’re planning for sustained success and will find a coach that shares our long-term outlook."

Memphis is one of three teams to achieve the playoff distinction Wallace mentioned, along with the San Antonio Spurs and Atlanta Hawks. However, this offseason could mark a foundational change. Point guard Mike Conley is a free agent and could command a max contract, which would pay him more than $25 million per season.

Conley is a fine player, but he's coming off a miserable year (15.3 points per game on 42.2 percent shooting) and probably tops out as a third option on a championship contender.

If the Grizzlies don't re-sign him, though, that playoff streak may come to an end.

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