HoopsHype.com Rumors

Grizzlies assistant coach Barry Hecker left the team during the Western Conference semifinal against the Thunder for what Memphis coach Lionel Hollins said is a “personal matter.” Hollins said after the team's shootaround Monday morning that Hecker's departure is “nothing that's public consumption.” Oklahoman

Memphis Grizzlies, Coaching, Lionel Hollins, Barry Hecker 

Memphis Grizzlies assistant Barry Hecker has left the team during the Western Conference semifinals for what coach Lionel Hollins says is a "personal matter." Hollins said after the Monday morning shootaround that Hecker's departure is "nothing that's public consumption." ESPN.com

Memphis Grizzlies, Coaching, Lionel Hollins, Barry Hecker 

Team officials say only that Hecker is "no longer" with the Grizzlies. Hecker had been on Hollins' staff in Memphis the past five seasons. Hecker also has worked as a scout, player personnel director and assistant coach for the Clippers and Cavaliers. ESPN.com

Memphis Grizzlies, Coaching, Barry Hecker 

After talking to people on both sides and sifting through the B.S., here's the deal with the Grizzlies assistant coaches. Johnny Davis, Henry Bibby, Barry Hecker and Dave Joerger have contracts that run through June 30. They all (including the departed Damon Stoudamire) signed one-year deals just before the team left for summer league last year. Even after making a 16-game improvement and locking up head coach Lionel Hollins, the coaching staff went through the draft without new deals. Management is taking a similar approach this year: slow to negotiate deals while it researches how most NBA teams will handle a potential lockout. A source emphatically said that the Griz intend to have deals with the coaching staff by the June 23 draft. Those deals, according to the source, will likely include full pay during a lockout if it occurs. But don't expect the Griz staff to go from being one of the lowest paid to receiving significant raises. Memphis Commercial Appeal

Memphis Grizzlies, Coaching, Henry Bibby, Dave Joerger, Johnny Davis, Barry Hecker 

An ESPN.com article attempted to shed light on the situation but erred on how playoff bonuses were handled. According to sources on both sides, Hollins and the assistants each had playoff bonuses written in their contracts. Hollins received a set amount while each coach negotiated a percentage of their salary. For example, the lowest paid assistants received 10-percent of their salary as a playoff bonus. Other assistants received more per the terms of their contract. Memphis Commercial Appeal

Memphis Grizzlies, Coaching, Henry Bibby, Dave Joerger, Johnny Davis, Barry Hecker, Lionel Hallins