nbrans
All-Star
In other news, Marc Iavaroni is heading to Memphis:
http://www.commercialappeal.com/mca/grizzlies/article/0,1426,MCA_475_5562095,00.html
By Ronald Tillery
May 30, 2007
A week after failing to win the NBA draft lottery, the Grizzlies made their first major acquisition of the offseason.
The team hired Marc Iavaroni as its head coach, according to an NBA source familiar with the negotiations. Iavaroni, an integral part of the Phoenix Suns' coaching staff the past several seasons, received a three-year contract to help reshape the Grizzlies after they failed to reach the playoffs for the first time in four seasons.
The team has scheduled a press conference for Thursday at 2 p.m. at FedExForum to make a "major announcement."
Memphis finished with the league's worst record (22-60) but will pick fourth in the June 28 draft despite owning the best odds of selecting first or second.
A person with knowledge of the coaching search said that while Iavaroni was among the leading candidates Larry Brown stood a great chance of becoming the Grizzlies' coach had they secured one of the top two picks.
The Griz, though, didn't just settle.
Iavaroni is considered one of the better creative minds working through the assistant coaching ranks. He obviously has comes with a handle what's needed to play an up-tempo offensive style. Iavaroni has served as lead assistant for the past 3 1/2 seasons of his five-year stint with the Suns, who have led the league in scoring since 2004-05.
His background also indicates that he'll demand solid defense, having worked under former Griz coach Mike Fratello and Miami's Pat Riley in his career.
Iavaroni is also seen as someone who can nurture the skills of budding big man such as Pau Gasol. Iavaroni is credited with playing a major part in the development of center Amaré Stoudemire.
Iavaroni also played in the NBA for seven seasons. He was a starter as a rookie on the 1983 World Champion Philadelphia 76ers.
http://www.commercialappeal.com/mca/grizzlies/article/0,1426,MCA_475_5562095,00.html
By Ronald Tillery
May 30, 2007
A week after failing to win the NBA draft lottery, the Grizzlies made their first major acquisition of the offseason.
The team hired Marc Iavaroni as its head coach, according to an NBA source familiar with the negotiations. Iavaroni, an integral part of the Phoenix Suns' coaching staff the past several seasons, received a three-year contract to help reshape the Grizzlies after they failed to reach the playoffs for the first time in four seasons.
The team has scheduled a press conference for Thursday at 2 p.m. at FedExForum to make a "major announcement."
Memphis finished with the league's worst record (22-60) but will pick fourth in the June 28 draft despite owning the best odds of selecting first or second.
A person with knowledge of the coaching search said that while Iavaroni was among the leading candidates Larry Brown stood a great chance of becoming the Grizzlies' coach had they secured one of the top two picks.
The Griz, though, didn't just settle.
Iavaroni is considered one of the better creative minds working through the assistant coaching ranks. He obviously has comes with a handle what's needed to play an up-tempo offensive style. Iavaroni has served as lead assistant for the past 3 1/2 seasons of his five-year stint with the Suns, who have led the league in scoring since 2004-05.
His background also indicates that he'll demand solid defense, having worked under former Griz coach Mike Fratello and Miami's Pat Riley in his career.
Iavaroni is also seen as someone who can nurture the skills of budding big man such as Pau Gasol. Iavaroni is credited with playing a major part in the development of center Amaré Stoudemire.
Iavaroni also played in the NBA for seven seasons. He was a starter as a rookie on the 1983 World Champion Philadelphia 76ers.
