MEMPHIS, Tenn.-
Grizzlies owner Michael Heisley has interviewed at least six candidates to fill the open head coach and general manager positions.
Heisley said he would exercise patience while considering whom to choose to lead the franchise and team and was not rushing to make a decision. He said he’d likely wait until after the draft to make any decisions.
“We’re probably the best opportunity in the NBA right now,” he said. “We’ve got a great group of young players. We’ve got the best chance in the lottery.”
Coach Mike Fratello was fired in December and replaced on an interim basis by Tony Barone Sr. as the franchise went from the playoffs to the NBA’s worst record at 22-60 in one season.
President and general manager Jerry West announced last month he would be leaving once his contract ends June 30.
The Grizzlies asked for and received permission to speak with Phoenix Suns assistant coach Marc Iavaroni and vice president of basketball operations David Griffin. Former New York Knicks coach Larry Brown and the University of Florida’s Billy Donovan also met with Heisley about the vacancy, according to a report by The Commercial Appeal.
Other candidates include Boston Celtics general manager Chris Wallace and former Denver executive Kiki Vandeweghe.
Heisley said he would not conduct the interview process in the media.
“I’m not going to get into who I’m talking to,” he said. “I’m not going to be influenced by public opinion.”
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Information from: The Commercial Appeal,
