HoopsHype.com Rumors

Lionel Hollins

Visit the HoopsHype Forums to discuss the latest news and rumors in the NBA.

» Friday, April 26 2013

 

» Wednesday, April 24 2013

 

» Monday, April 22 2013

 

» Thursday, April 11 2013

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.” Memphis Commercial Appeal

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. “There are a lot of teams that have successful seasons that don’t win in the first round,” Hollins said. “Look at San Antonio against us a couple of years ago. They won 61 games. That’s a successful season. But what happens in the playoffs is a different story. They caught a team on the rise and playing well. It happens. Memphis Commercial Appeal

Shooting guard Tony Allen said coaching without any guarantee beyond this season hasn’t affected Hollins, and he’s almost certain that it won’t entering the playoffs. “What’s impressed me about him is he’s kept his poise. He hasn’t been nervous,” Allen said. “He’s just been plain old, hard-nosed Hollins. I like it. He’s been keeping his composure and willing us to victories. That’s big for us.” Memphis Commercial Appeal

 

» Saturday, April 6 2013

Lionel Hollins does not yet have a contract for next season. The emphasis, though, is firmly on yet. One coaching source consulted this week said it was "very likely" that Hollins will receive a new contract from the Grizzlies after the playoffs, as initial frustrations from the coach in the wake of the Rudy Gay trade in late January -- and the bosses subjected to those frustrations -- have quickly faded thanks to the fact that Memphis still has the best team in franchise history even without Gay. ESPN.com

Word is that even a first-round exit is unlikely to dissuade the Grizzlies from trying to retain Hollins. There's also a theory out there that Hollins would actually like to survey the field, knowing he's sure to receive offers from other teams, but I'm not buying that one. Given how successful Hollins has been in Memphis and how well-regarded he is by Grizz fans, I don't see him looking to leave. ESPN.com

 

» Friday, March 29 2013

Back to the Rudy Gay trade: Were you informed every step of the way? Or did you just generally know this was happening? Lionel Hollins: Of course, of course. People made it seem like I didn't know, or that I was upset. I wasn't upset. Somebody asked me a question: "Would you want to do the trade or not?" And I said I would not. But I also voiced that to management before the trade was even made, because they asked me. They asked about the specific package — Davis and Prince? Lionel Hollins: Oh, yeah. On every package. Grantland

So perhaps it’s fair to say you think the game then was better, but maybe not the players? Lionel Hollins: The depth of athleticism now is better. The depth of basketball IQ, of competitiveness, of manliness, was better then. Manliness? Lionel Hollins: Oh, there are a few men still in the league now. But guys then were playing for their living — playing for their families and their livelihoods. There are guys in the league now who don't even care if they ever play, if they ever get off the bench. Grantland

The Grizzlies return to FedExForum on Friday night for a meeting against the Houston Rockets after losing back-to- back games on the road. Memphis fell behind the New York Knicks by 30 points during a loss Wednesday night when the Knicks’ broadcasters suggested that there was a wedge between Hollins and Randolph. “The only beef I had with Zach is he was excessively late for a shootaround that started at 4:30 p.m. (last Saturday),” Hollins said. “I told him I can’t start you and he understood. Everybody’s got their opinion about what goes on in our locker room. But only the people in there know. I haven’t had a beef with Zach and he hasn’t had one with me.” Memphis Commercial Appeal

 

» Monday, February 25 2013

As for the idea that he might not Memphis next year, Hollins, who is in the final year of his contract said that’s not his plan. “I think I’ll be in Memphis. I believe I’ll be in Memphis. There’s nothing cut in stone, but that’s my thought process. And if it’s not in Memphis than I’ll try to coach somewhere else and do the best job I can,” Hollins said. “But my thought process is I will be in Memphis, I love the city, I love the organization and the players that we have developed. This is where I’ve been, this is where I’ve had my first real opportunity, and where I’ve had my first success. So I wouldn’t want to go anywhere, but I know the business of basketball and my mind would be open and if it had to happen I would leave. But that’s not my thought process; my thought process is to be here in Memphis.” Jim Rome

 

» Sunday, February 24 2013

“I’m speechless. This really bothers me,” said All-Star forward Zach Randolph, who visited with Heisley in Houston. “He’s a good guy and a man of his word. He took care of us and believed in us. I’m praying for him.” Griz coach Lionel Hollins broke the news to the team Saturday afternoon after a practice in FedExForum. The Griz then left to board a flight for Brooklyn, where they will play the Nets on Sunday night in the new Barclays Center. “It’s sad,” Hollins said. “I send my prayers out to the family. Mike Heisley has been good to me. It’s sad to see this happen and for him to be in this situation. We’ll continue to pray for him and wish him a speedy recovery.” Memphis Commercial Appeal

 

» Tuesday, February 12 2013

 

Any rumor missing? E-mail us at   hoopshype@hoopshype.com.