Citing a losing trend dating back to last season, Memphis Grizzlies GM Chris Wallace said that “it was time” to move on from former coach David Fizdale and announced J.B. Bickerstaff as interim head coach for the remainder of the 2017-18 season.
“(Bickerstaff) was in a similar position in the 2015-16 season,” Wallace said at a Tuesday morning press conference, referring to when Bickerstaff took over for fired Houston Rockets coach Kevin McHale. “He’s uniquely qualified to take over at this point.”
Bickerstaff, who was Fizdale’s lead assistant coach, said the team was frustrated with its current eight-game losing streak, but had not given up on the season.
“There was never a feeling that we couldn’t turn it around,” Bickerstaff said. “Things have changed now, but those are still the same guys in the locker room. They’re just as competitive. The relationship between them is strong. And together they want to turn it around, and together we will.”
Watch the whole press conference below:
