Lionel Hollins is Unhappy the Grizzlies Traded Away Rudy Gay, Which Should Surprise Nobody

All, NBA Jason McIntyre February 1st. 2013, 11:26am

Lionel Hollins, coach of the Grizzlies, isn’t happy his front office traded away leading scorer Rudy Gay. Trying to win a title on the cheap ain’t fun, Hollins told the Oklahoman:

“When you have champagne taste, you can’t be on a beer budget. It’s a small market and I understand the economics of being in a small market. I’ve been with the Grizzlies for 11 years in Memphis. Rudy Gay has been a big part of our success. I’ve known him as a kid as a rookie coming in. He’s a big part of my success as a coach here and I feel I was a big part of his success and I wish him the best as he moves forward into the second chapter of his career.”

How soon after the season does ~~John Hollinger~~ Robert Pera fire Lionel Hollins? A week? Do they let him twist in the wind for two weeks?

Fear not, Lionel – it’s about to get much, much easier. Don’t worry about getting pasted in OKC Thursday. The February schedule:

Washington
Phoenix
at Atlanta
Golden State
Minnesota
Sacramento
ALL STAR BREAK
at Detroit
at Toronto
Orlando
at Brooklyn
Dallas

Of their next 10 games, they play three winning teams (ATL, Golden State, Brooklyn). Memphis should go 8-2 to ease the pain of losing Gay.

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83 Responses to “Lionel Hollins is Unhappy the Grizzlies Traded Away Rudy Gay, Which Should Surprise Nobody”

1
Jim Harbaugh Scramble Says:
February 1st, 2013 at 11:30 AM
“When you have champagne taste, you can’t be on a beer budget.
switch to Champale and get the best of both worlds.
2
PeerLessPrices Says:
February 1st, 2013 at 11:30 AM
How soon after the season does John Hollinger Robert Pera fire Lionel Hollins?
On what grounds?
3
Jason McIntyre Says:
February 1st, 2013 at 11:31 AM
Peerless – “grounds?”
Yeah, like that’s needed.
How about just “moving in a different direction?”
You know how it works with new ownership – they want “their guys”
4
Liquor Says:
February 1st, 2013 at 11:34 AM
I cant be the only one who reads this guys name as Lionel Hutz.
Three words Mr Hutz, Miller High Life.
5
otis sistrunk Says:
February 1st, 2013 at 11:34 AM
i want srod to write all grizz posts. how bout some diversity on staff jmac?
also, have you ever answered why you named the blog The Big Lead? It’s no journalism term that I know. Lead is (lede), but no size attached
6
ms621 Says:
February 1st, 2013 at 11:34 AM
I can’t hear the name Lionel without thinking of Dan Aykroyd in blackface in Trading Places.
7
YYSA Says:
February 1st, 2013 at 11:34 AM
How soon after the season does John Hollinger Robert Pera fire Lionel Hollins? A week? Do they let him twist in the wind for two weeks?
I believe the protocol for this is to bring in your own guy with zero coaching experience as some kind of assistant and then have him bark shit over the coach from the second row. Then you give your current coach a vote of confidence about a month into the season. Then you fire the coach a month later.
At that point you are going to want to tell the media that you are not sure who will replace him. Then carry on sham interviews with the other more tenured assistant coaches. Then hire your guy, watch other assistant coaches quit.
8
sctrojans Says:
February 1st, 2013 at 11:34 AM
You know how it works with new ownership – they want “their guys”
True. What makes him unfireable? WCF appearance?
9
PeerLessPrices Says:
February 1st, 2013 at 11:36 AM
You know how it works with new ownership – they want “their guys”
I get that, so put it as your reasoning in the post perhaps. They’ve had success the past 3 years and are setting themselves up for the future. That’s why I don’t understand why they’d fire him, except for owners wanting “their guy”
10
Dr. Tom Says:
February 1st, 2013 at 11:36 AM
This is pretty cool for the political junkies out there.
http://news.yahoo.com/presidential-elections-by-congressional-district-interactive-130828943.html
11
Cowboy Mike's Old Original Red Hot Ricochet Barbeque Sauce Says:
February 1st, 2013 at 11:36 AM
Lionel Hutz > Lionel Hollins.
I encourage everyone to go look at the update on the Michigan Catfish post, the further info on what they did is great, really pulled one on the players.
12
Nada Says:
February 1st, 2013 at 11:39 AM
So what Hollins is really saying is that he’s a big Gay guy?
/ Majestic Majerus, RIP
13
ButtersBC Says:
February 1st, 2013 at 11:39 AM
When you have champagne taste
Getting to the second round one year and claiming the #4 seed the next as being your franchise high points is more box wine taste in this reporter’s opinion
14
ms621 Says:
February 1st, 2013 at 11:39 AM
Lionel Hutz
“What’s that? You want me to drink you? But I’m in the middle of a trial.”
15
Nada Says:
February 1st, 2013 at 11:41 AM
Lionel Hutz
“I was watching Matlock in a bar last night. The sound wasn’t on but I got the gist of it.”
16
HuskerDawg Says:
February 1st, 2013 at 11:43 AM
This is so creepy. The Te’o dude performed the voice he used when talking on the phone.
17
Liquor Says:
February 1st, 2013 at 11:44 AM
Mr. Hutz, do you know that you’re not wearing any pants?
I move for a bad court thingy.
18
mmonast Says:
February 1st, 2013 at 11:46 AM
I can’t hear the name Lionel without thinking of Dan Aykroyd in blackface in Trading Places.
haha I was doing the same thing when I read his name
“Lionel! From the African Education Conference!”
19
Cowboy Mike's Old Original Red Hot Ricochet Barbeque Sauce Says:
February 1st, 2013 at 11:47 AM
Say hello to Miguel Sanchez!
20
Jim Harbaugh Scramble Says:
February 1st, 2013 at 11:49 AM
The Te’o dude performed the voice he used when talking on the phone.
I thought he had a chick call Te’o?
21
kazzythekid Says:
February 1st, 2013 at 11:50 AM
I think Hollins is in a contract year, so rather than firing him, they can just choose not to extend him.
22
YYSA Says:
February 1st, 2013 at 11:54 AM
I think Hollins is in a contract year, so rather than firing him, they can just choose not to extend him.
If he is in a contract year and he spouted off like this I think he sees the writing on the wall.
23
sctrojans Says:
February 1st, 2013 at 11:56 AM
I think Hollins is in a contract year, so rather than firing him, they can just choose not to extend him.
If he is in a contract year and he spouted off like this I think he sees the writing on the wall.
Can’t blame him then. Having a lame duck coach is rarely smart
24
PL StabbinKabin Says:
February 1st, 2013 at 11:58 AM
That Ravens cheerleader in the round up….shwing
25
spencer096 Says:
February 1st, 2013 at 12:00 PM
That Ravens cheerleader in the round up….shwing
traitor.
26
kazzythekid Says:
February 1st, 2013 at 12:01 PM
He also had this to say about analytics a couple weeks ago
Analytics has a place. It can’t be the be-all, end-all. I’m still trying to figure out when the Oakland Athletics won a championship with all the analytics they have. It takes talent. We had a guy a few years ago that was sending me emails about different lineup combinations, and he was saying, ‘this lineup should be on the court a lot more because they’re the most effective.’ So, then you coach that lineup and keep them on the floor for 40 minutes. I’m going to stay with the lineups that I have on the floor. No matter what anyone wants to say…
27
Novac Chokeabitch Says:
February 1st, 2013 at 12:05 PM
“Works on retainer? No, money down!”
One of the best Simspons gags ever. Show started to suck after Hartman’s wife iced him.
Rest In Power, Mr. Hutz
28
Cowboy Mike's Old Original Red Hot Ricochet Barbeque Sauce Says:
February 1st, 2013 at 12:06 PM
Analytics has a place. It can’t be the be-all, end-all. I’m still trying to figure out when the Oakland Athletics won a championship with all the analytics they have. It takes talent. We had a guy a few years ago that was sending me emails about different lineup combinations, and he was saying, ‘this lineup should be on the court a lot more because they’re the most effective.’ So, then you coach that lineup and keep them on the floor for 40 minutes. I’m going to stay with the lineups that I have on the floor. No matter what anyone wants to say…
Oh so he’s an idiot.
29
gfunk supreme Says:
February 1st, 2013 at 12:08 PM
He also had this to say about analytics a couple weeks ago
Sounds like he should be fired.
30
Scalia Says:
February 1st, 2013 at 12:08 PM
That Hollins quote so great it almost has to be made up.
31
sctrojans Says:
February 1st, 2013 at 12:10 PM
Why even have a coach if the front office has such strong lineup opinions? Just throw a front office shill on the bench and text him every move
32
kazzythekid Says:
February 1st, 2013 at 12:13 PM
Would be awesome if the “guy sending emails a few years ago” was actually Hollinger.
33
Benjamin Franklin Rodriguez has the highest WAR evah! Says:
February 1st, 2013 at 12:21 PM
Analytics is the 21st century PR department for sports teams. Make up numbers and talk about building for the future as a mask for making a money move as opposed to a competitive one, will work enough to soothe some fans. Tomorrow is just a day away.
34
knifeyspoony Says:
February 1st, 2013 at 12:21 PM
Mr. Hutz, do you know that you’re not wearing any pants?
I move for a bad court thingy.
- care for a celebratory belt of scotch?
- Mr. Hutz, it’s 9 in the morning!
- well I haven’t slept for days!
35
H.E. Pennypacker Says:
February 1st, 2013 at 12:22 PM
Make up numbers
good times
36
ButtersBC Says:
February 1st, 2013 at 12:24 PM
Analytics is the 21st century PR department for sports teams
Except for the teams that win with them only they don’t commission books to be written about their efforts so you don’t know about it…it’s silly to think they serve no purpose and that GMs are still acquiring talent based on gut feelings
37
Nada Says:
February 1st, 2013 at 12:26 PM
- care for a celebratory belt of scotch?
- Mr. Sousedbergin, it’s 9 in the morning!
- well I haven’t slept for days!
38
Scalia Says:
February 1st, 2013 at 12:27 PM
Make up numbers
Seriously
39
Nada Says:
February 1st, 2013 at 12:28 PM
Isn’t “Hollins” just a diminuitive of “Hollinger”?
40
ButtersBC Says:
February 1st, 2013 at 12:28 PM
Making up numbers has always been a part of sports, look at the horrible save stat that agents have used to get failed starting pitchers boatloads of money over the years
41
sctrojans Says:
February 1st, 2013 at 12:29 PM
GMs are still acquiring talent based on gut feelings
They never were. It’s called scouting. You know, teams dedicate entire departments to it. Obviously analytics has a place, but it’s backers often understate scouting to elevate it
42
H.E. Pennypacker Says:
February 1st, 2013 at 12:29 PM
oh yeah that’s right, that’s the guy who the contrarian and can’t possibly be that stupid. not going to get sucked in. back to poop jokes.
43
sctrojans Says:
February 1st, 2013 at 12:31 PM
oh yeah that’s right, that’s the guy who the contrarian and can’t possibly be that stupid. not going to get sucked in. back to poop jokes.
Oh, come on! I thought an entertaining spat may have been brewing
44
ButtersBC Says:
February 1st, 2013 at 12:32 PM
but it’s backers often understate scouting to elevate it
I know it’s easy to type this on the internet, but that doesn’t make it true
45
Benjamin Franklin Rodriguez has the highest WAR evah! Says:
February 1st, 2013 at 12:45 PM
They never were. It’s called scouting. You know, teams dedicate entire departments to it. Obviously analytics has a place, but it’s backers often understate scouting to elevate it
Thank you
46
Cowboy Mike's Old Original Red Hot Ricochet Barbeque Sauce Says:
February 1st, 2013 at 12:52 PM
Thank you
Watch out sctrojans, I think he’s hitting on you, might rape you in the lockerroom.
47
Benjamin Franklin Rodriguez has the highest WAR evah! Says:
February 1st, 2013 at 12:58 PM
You know, teams dedicate entire departments to it.
of course, it is much more cost effective (cheaper) to do your evaluations by calculator than paying for an airline ticket and actually watching someone play. You don’t have to pay as many people either.
48
Benjamin Franklin Rodriguez has the highest WAR evah! Says:
February 1st, 2013 at 1:04 PM
Watch out sctrojans, I think he’s hitting on you, might rape you in the lockerroom.
I prefer smothering my victims with barbecue sauce big boy. Nothing like the smell of barbecue sauce and athletes foot that you can obtain only in a lockerroom.
49
Cowboy Mike's Old Original Red Hot Ricochet Barbeque Sauce Says:
February 1st, 2013 at 1:06 PM
Vinegar based? If so, I’m in.
50
H.E. Pennypacker Says:
February 1st, 2013 at 1:06 PM
Vinegar based? If so, I’m in.
why would you want inferior sauce on you
51
Benjamin Franklin Rodriguez has the highest WAR evah! Says:
February 1st, 2013 at 1:08 PM
Vinegar based? If so, I’m in
. No big boy, I’m in.
52
Nada Says:
February 1st, 2013 at 1:14 PM
I prefer smothering my victims with barbecue sauce big boy
Vinegar based?
He said barbecue sauce, not that Carolina atrocity.
53
Cowboy Mike's Old Original Red Hot Ricochet Barbeque Sauce Says:
February 1st, 2013 at 1:17 PM
He said barbecue sauce, not that Carolina atrocity.
Go drown in a gumbo flood.
54
starkweather Says:
February 1st, 2013 at 1:18 PM
Just because you pay Dom P. prices for Budweiser doesn’t make it good. Rudy Gay isn’t a good enough player for people to be so riled up about trading him.
55
ButtersBC Says:
February 1st, 2013 at 1:20 PM
Clearly all that scouting and doing things the right way have helped Memphis climb as high as the #4 seed in their conference while leaving them broke because they thought guys like Rudy Gay were worth max money cuz his game looked pretty
It’s fun to play the zero-sum game for front office philosophies
56
starkweather Says:
February 1st, 2013 at 1:22 PM
Am I misremembering to say that the Grizz played their best ball of the past 3 years with Rudy Gay on the sidelines?
57
sctrojans Says:
February 1st, 2013 at 1:24 PM
Just because you pay Dom P. prices for Budweiser doesn’t make it good. Rudy Gay isn’t a good enough player for people to be so riled up about trading him.
Not a bad trade, but I understand why Hollins would hate it. Gay is by far the best player involved in the trade. Conventional NBA wisdom says the team that gets the best player wins
58
H.E. Pennypacker Says:
February 1st, 2013 at 1:25 PM
It’s fun to play the zero-sum game for front office philosophies
yeah. there aren’t many franchises in pro sports who are 95+% on one or the other in terms of scouting or numbers, and the ones that are are pretty far down there in the standings.
59
ButtersBC Says:
February 1st, 2013 at 1:26 PM
yeah. there aren’t many franchises in pro sports who are 95+% on one or the other in terms of scouting or numbers, and the ones that are are pretty far down there in the standings
I’m just happy for the guys who bitch about advanced thinking that the teams they root for don’t think like they do and thus win games
60
sctrojans Says:
February 1st, 2013 at 1:27 PM
because they thought guys like Rudy Gay were worth max money cuz his game looked pretty
NBA over the last decade was full of overpaid good, not great players. Was the climate created by the last CBA. Have to judge it within that context
61
Cowboy Mike's Old Original Red Hot Ricochet Barbeque Sauce Says:
February 1st, 2013 at 1:28 PM
Conventional NBA wisdom says the team that gets the best player wins
Wow. Good fucking luck finding someone who says Toronto won this trade.
62
starkweather Says:
February 1st, 2013 at 1:29 PM
Good fucking luck finding someone who says Toronto won this trade.
That’s the funny thing about it. People are bitching about Memphis trading him away but nobody gives a shit about Toronto getting him. No “suddenly the Raptors are loaded” posts to be found.
63
sctrojans Says:
February 1st, 2013 at 1:30 PM
Wow. Good fucking luck finding someone who says Toronto won this trade.
I don’t think they did. I think Detroit did. Just saying I understand where the coach is coming from
64
H.E. Pennypacker Says:
February 1st, 2013 at 1:31 PM
I think Detroit did.
I do too, though it’s crazy how much post depth memphis has now with gasol, randolph, arthur and davis
65
starkweather Says:
February 1st, 2013 at 1:33 PM
Drummond and Monroe would be so awesome if for some reason Detroit ended up with CP3
66
knifeyspoony Says:
February 1st, 2013 at 1:53 PM
Am I misremembering to say that the Grizz played their best ball of the past 3 years with Rudy Gay on the sidelines?
if I’m not mistaken, the luxury tax forced them into trading Gay so they could hold onto Gasol, who is a vastly superior player.
67
Benjamin Franklin Rodriguez has the highest WAR evah! Says:
February 1st, 2013 at 2:08 PM
Good fucking luck finding someone who says Toronto won this trade.
Memphis could have used Gay more than Toronto can use him since Memphis was in a better position, pre trade, than any of the other teams involved in this trade. Post trade, Memphis is still better than the other teams involved, but they’re also not as good as they were pre trade, and that is what anyone is eventually judged on. They have depth at the big man positions? Good for them if this was 1993 instead of 2013. What they don’t have is a damn good perimeter player. They let go of their 2 best in a matter of months for monetary reasons. Who wants to make the basketball argument that they’re better now than before the trade?
68
Some Random Old Dude Says:
February 1st, 2013 at 2:08 PM
Am I misremembering to say that the Grizz played their best ball of the past 3 years with Rudy Gay on the sidelines?
Word to the motherland!
switch to Champale and get the best of both worlds.
They still make this stuff?
My job here is done. Off to hoagies and a nap.
69
Some Random Old Dude Says:
February 1st, 2013 at 2:11 PM
Who wants to make the basketball argument that they’re better now than before the trade?
/raises hand
Looks like I spoke too soon.
Lessee, Memphis got rid of a ball-hog who was an indifferent (at best) defender, on a roster that prides itself on defensive intensity.
Pondexter (upon his return) and Ellington (since traded away) can/could have replaced Gay’s perimeter shooting. It’s not like Gay was a taller Klay Thompson.
Still love this trade.
70
Benjamin Franklin Rodriguez has the highest WAR evah! Says:
February 1st, 2013 at 2:23 PM
Pondexter (upon his return) and Ellington (since traded away) can/could have replaced Gay’s perimeter shooting. It’s not like Gay was a taller Klay Thompson.
Quincy Pondexter!!? Ok. You’d have to seriously build up Ellington in an argument while simultaneously make up things to tear down Gay in order for them to bring equal value.
71
Benjamin Franklin Rodriguez has the highest WAR evah! Says:
February 1st, 2013 at 2:33 PM
I’m just happy for the guys who bitch about advanced thinking that the teams they root for don’t think like they do and thus win games
statistics “advanced” or otherwise are valuable in their proper context. It just so happens that many message board inhabitants are unable to place them in that context.
72
knifeyspoony Says:
February 1st, 2013 at 2:37 PM
Who wants to make the basketball argument that they’re better now than before the trade?
Prince is a better shooter and defender than Gay is.
Mayo was a bigger loss for this team.
73
Some Random Old Dude Says:
February 1st, 2013 at 2:38 PM
Yeah, Pondexter. I haven’t watched every game (probably 18 to 20 this year), but I saw most of his games early on.
Actually, Benjamin, Pondexter was giving the team a scoring lift off the bench before his injury. Even Ellington had some games off the bench where he shot the three confidently.
Now, if we actually look at Gay’s stats (ignore the name & salary), his play this year wasn’t all-star calibre. Look at his three-shooting percentage, for example.
Admittedly, both Pondexter and Ellington had fewer shooting opportunities, but better percentages. Plus, they made more effort to be diligent defenders.
74
H.E. Pennypacker Says:
February 1st, 2013 at 2:40 PM
Now, if we actually look at Gay’s stats (ignore the name & salary), his play this year wasn’t all-star calibre. Look at his three-shooting percentage, for example.
his BBref comparables are hilarious. He’s not a terrible player but definitely on the short list of most overpaid
75
Benjamin Franklin Rodriguez has the highest WAR evah! Says:
February 1st, 2013 at 2:52 PM
Prince is a better shooter and defender than Gay is.
Mayo was a bigger loss for this team.
I’ve always said Mayo was a big loss for them. Prince may or may not have a better shooting percentage, I won’t bother to look. But, Prince is not a better scorer than Gay. There isn’t a team in the NBA who would add Taysahun Prince to their team for his ability to score.
76
Benjamin Franklin Rodriguez has the highest WAR evah! Says:
February 1st, 2013 at 2:58 PM
Admittedly, both Pondexter and Ellington had fewer shooting opportunities, but better percentages. Plus, they made more effort to be diligent defenders.
That first part about opportunities has everything to do with making a fair argument about shooting percentages, the same as the other poster who refrenced and compared Tayshaun Prince. In the playoffs, when everyone is playing a higher level of defense based on being able to face the same team 4-7 times in a row, teams win in today’s NBA because they have perimeter players who can score consistently against tough defense. The Grizzlies let both of the players they had who fit that bill go.
77
A.P. Says:
February 1st, 2013 at 3:01 PM
How bad is Perry Jones that he doesn’t even play for OKC?
/not surprised
78
H.E. Pennypacker Says:
February 1st, 2013 at 3:04 PM
How bad is Perry Jones that he doesn’t even play for OKC?
/not surprised
theyd still be better off with him than Perkins probably
79
A.P. Says:
February 1st, 2013 at 3:04 PM
Darrell, thoughts on Billy Hunter getting the boot?
80
A.P. Says:
February 1st, 2013 at 3:05 PM
theyd still be better off with him than Perkins probably
ehh..Jones wasn’t much of a low post presence at Baylor. He always wandered out to shoot mid range jumpers.. If you mixed Jones’ offensive skill and Nerlens Noel defensive skill, that would be one bad ass center.
81
H.E. Pennypacker Says:
February 1st, 2013 at 3:06 PM
ehh..Jones wasn’t much of a low post presence at Baylor. He always wandered out to shoot mid range jumpers.. If you mixed Jones’ offensive skill and Nerlens Noel defensive skill, that would be one bad ass center.
I was mostly joking. Perkins fucking sucks though.
82
A.P. Says:
February 1st, 2013 at 3:14 PM
I was mostly joking. Perkins fucking sucks though.
yeah. Once he was traded to OKC, he fell on his face
83
Benjamin Franklin Rodriguez has the highest WAR evah! Says:
February 1st, 2013 at 3:14 PM
Darrell, thoughts on Billy Hunter getting the boot?
I really haven’t given any thought. But I have to say, you have to be extremely arrogant and/or ignorant if you wouldn’t put some protocol in place to at least give the appearance that you were not involved in the hiring of your relatives.