Memphis Grizzlies: 5 candidates to replace David Fizdale as head coach
4. Mark Jackson
In 2015, the Golden State Warriors fired head coach Mark Jackson amid a growing cloud of distrust and accusations. They proceeded to hire another former analyst, Steve Kerr, and the team proceeded to leap into the halls of history with one of the best three-year stretches in NBA history (and counting).
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What is likely to be forgotten is how far Mark Jackson brought the team before Kerr came in. Hired in 2011 by new owners Joe Lacob and Peter Guber, the former point guard inherited a team that had averaged 30 wins over the three seasons prior. Jackson instilled discipline, a strong defensive scheme, and was instrumental in providing the self-confidence his young players needed to be something in the NBA.
Not every coach can take a team to a title, but there is value in taking a team from bad to good. Jackson won 47 and 51 games during his last two seasons in Oakland, securing back-to-back playoff berths for the first time since 1992.
The Memphis Grizzlies are not going to win a title with their current core, but in a small market with a set roster of aging veterans, they can’t afford to be bad. Jackson is the kind of coach who can help them win games now.
He is also available, an important quality if the Grizzlies want to turn things this season around. Jackson could step out of the broadcast booth immediately and take over as head coach. If the Grizzlies want to maintain the status quo, Jackson may be their guy.