Lionel Hollins’ Future Murky With Playoffs Approaching

The Memphis Grizzlies’ front-office have yet to decide what to do with head coach Lionel Hollins, who is in the third and final year of his deal. They may be waiting to see how the team performs in the postseason. Per the Commercial Appeal: “Grizzlies coach Lionel Hollins doesn’t think his future in Memphis is tied to how far the team advances in the playoffs. His players certainly don’t believe a contract extension for Hollins should come down to the postseason. ‘You have to look at it as a whole in terms of what coach has done for this team and this city. He’s changed the whole mentality and the culture as far as professional basketball,’ center Marc Gasol said. ‘You have to give him the credit. The team has improved every year. And every member of the core group has grown because our coach keeps pushing us to do more. I don’t see myself playing for another coach. I just don’t see it.’ […] Griz management has not laid out criteria for Hollins, either. Majority owner Robert Pera and CEO Jason Levien have tinkered with the roster while continuing to afford Hollins coaching autonomy. But there is a growing perception that the organization could be waiting to see whether the team advances past the first round after losing an opening-round Game 7 at home to the Los Angeles Clippers last year. Hollins doesn’t believe that is the case. […] A source with knowledge of the Grizzlies’ thinking said new ownership has reached a comfort level with Hollins but prefers to initiate contract talks as soon as the season ends.”