Memphis hires Iavaroni

[Mainstreet]

Actually if the Griz hired Griffin this could be the big story. A shakeup of the Suns coaching staff and front office. Or maybe the decision has already been made.

 

[TheKid_1]

A guard for the Los Angeles Lakers named Kobe Bryant announced that he wants to be traded. He's been on the All-Star team and some people think he's pretty good, so it's newsworthy that he may be moved.

My bad. I thought you meant that it was a big news day for the Suns. I guess it shows how narrow minded I am about the NBA!

 

[dodie53]

good luck MI..

 

[azirish]

I'd be very surprised if Griffin left. Everyone knew that Ivaroni had been on several short lists a year ago, so it was just a matter of time.

It certainly looks as if Griffin is being groomed to be the Suns full GM (the split authority is mostly nominal since D'Antoni has not had the time for most of the duties). I can imagine that D'Antoni would retain veto power over trades, but lots of coaches have that (even if informally).

The only reason Griffin would leave is if he doesn't get alone with Sarver. I've heard nothing to that effect. I would really doubt the Griz would offer massive money to a guy who has never had full GM authority.

Sarver strikes me as a "don't mess up a good thing" type manager and got a real dose of reality with the JJ fiasco. I think he'll try to keep his management team together as long as they are getting the job done, knowing that someone like Ivaroni was certain to leave for a better job.

 

[cly2tw]

Good for MI. Bad for the Suns. Then again, maybe we can get a more defensive minded assistant coach in here?

van Gundy?

 

[Cheesebeef]

It certainly looks as if Griffin is being groomed to be the Suns full GM (the split authority is mostly nominal since D'Antoni has not had the time for most of the duties).

is this based on anything in particular? And just out of curiosity, how many times has a Coach with the GM title had the position of GM actually taken away from them?

 

[azirish]

is this based on anything in particular? And just out of curiosity, how many times has a Coach with the GM title had the position of GM actually taken away from them?

Usually they do it "voluntarily", which doesn't tell us anything.

The most conspicuous example has to be Don Nelson in Dallas, where Cuban decided he wanted to do his own deals. Donny lets him do that.

BTW, if Don Nelson steps down as Warriors coach (there was some discussion he might), I'd take him as GM in a heartbeat. He's a great evaluator of talent.

 

[Mainstreet]

In HoopsHype rumors it says Griffin will follow Ivaroni to Memphis. If true, I think it will have some significant ramifications for the Suns FO and the coaching staff. I think Griffin has been functioning as the Suns GM although D'Antoni has the title. With the upcoming NBA draft and possible trades I think this is a weird time for the Suns to lose Griffin unless they were already cleaning house. It was understood than Ivaroni was going somewhere. However, I'm not sure who the Suns are going to use to replace Griffin in the immediate future. Anyway it sounds like the Suns could be shuffling a few chairs.

http://www.hoopshype.com/rumors.htm

 

[Dan H]

In HoopsHype rumors it says Griffin will follow Ivaroni to Memphis. If true, I think it will have some significant ramifications for the Suns FO and the coaching staff. I think Griffin has been functioning as the Suns GM although D'Antoni has the title. With the upcoming NBA draft and possible trades I think this is a weird time for the Suns to lose Griffin unless they were already cleaning house. It was understood than Ivaroni was going somewhere. However, I'm not sure who the Suns are going to use to replace Griffin in the immediate future. Anyway it sounds like the Suns could be shuffling a few chairs.

http://www.hoopshype.com/rumors.htm

Mark West, maybe?

 

[Mainstreet]

Mark West, maybe?

Perhaps, although I'm not sure of Mark West's title and duties contrasted to Griffin.

However, this troubles me somewhat as I don't really think the Suns have operated with a functional full-time GM since BC left for Toronto. Although Griffin may have not made all the right moves he seemed to fill the GM role when D'Antoni had too much on his plate with coaching. Someone needs to handle the phones and the nuances of the GM with the trade season and the draft upon the Suns. Even if Griffin stays with the Suns through the draft, IMO, it's not the best situation for the Suns.

 

[fordronken]

The press conference can be watched at Grizzlies.com

He really handles him well. I think he's gonna be a good coach.

 

[Chaplin]

Here's how it will work:

Griffin follows Iavoroni.
Jerry West comes in to be President of Basketball Operations.
Kobe forces a trade to Phoenix.
Phoenix trades Shawn Marion, LB, Banks and picks to the Lakers for Kobe and Radmanovic.
We win the title.

Gravy!




(PS: I don't actually think the above will happen--in fact, I think the above has a 110% chance of NOT happening)

 

[fordronken]

After listening to the press conference, I'd be very surprised if David Griffin doesn't wind up as the GM of that team. Very surprised.