Memphis Grizzlies: 5 candidates to replace David Fizdale as head coach

5. J.B. Bickerstaff

With the firing of David Fizdale, the Memphis Grizzlies will soon begin their coaching search in earnest. But for now, former assistant J.B. Bickerstaff will step up to the plate.

Bickerstaff became the youngest assistant coach in league history when he joined the Charlotte Bobcats staff in 2004, and since then has coached for Minnesota Timberwolves and the Houston Rockets.

In 2016 Bickerstaff found himself in an almost identical situation when the Houston Rockets fired head coach Kevin McHale, turning the interim role over to Bickerstaff. He lead Houston to a 37-34 record and a playoff berth, eventually folding in the first round to the 73-win Golden State Warriors.

Bickerstaff was a candidate to become the full-time head coach but ultimately the team hired Mike D’Antoni, and he joined David Fizdale’s staff in Memphis. Depending on how long he is interim head coach, a strong showing could push his name into the ring of potential long-term replacements.