The Memphis Grizzlies are currently 7-15 and riding a dismal 11-game losing streak. This has resulted in the firing of head coach David Fizdale, which was a very questionable move considering Memphis’ circumstances. A huge factor that played a role in Fizdale’s firing was the reported beef between him and Marc Gasol which resulted in the two not speaking for a shocking 10 months.
Point Guard Mike Conley has been sidelined with an achilles injury and the timetable for his return is unknown. Conley believes that if he were still on the court, the Grizzlies’ would not be losing and Fizdale would still have his job.
Mike Conley elaborated on the turmoil in Memphis. Per Ronald Tillery of The Commercial Appeal:
“It’s been stressful because it’s literally all out of my hands. I can’t control anything. I can’t be on the court to help. I can’t be there to console guys. It’s very hard to sit and watch because I know that we wouldn’t be in this position if I was playing. That’s why I feel some kind of accountability for this whole thing. It’s definitely hard on me. I know that we’re not the team we’ve been over the last couple of weeks. I know when I get back, we’ll be a completely different team.”
Conley also spoke on the feud between Gasol and Fizdale. He believes issues between the two possibly could have been resolved had Fizdale not gotten fired.
“They had their differences at different times during the year. That happens with any coach. It just so happens that their relationship wasn’t at its best at the time we needed it to be, especially when the microscope was on us and we’re losing games. Unfortunately, it got to this point. Who knows how it could’ve been fixed if the decision (to fire Fizdale) didn’t get made? It is what it is. We just have to deal with it.”
Without the services of Conley, Memphis is most likely heading to the draft lottery after playing in the postseason for seven straight years. Memphis is currently 0-3 with J.B. Bickerstaff as interim head coach.
