Ranking The 5 Best Coaches In The NBA
By John Kim
No. 5: Lionel Hollins, Memphis Grizzlies
May 13, 2013; Memphis, TN, USA; Memphis Grizzlies head coach Lionel Hollins during the post game interview of game four of the second round of the 2013 NBA Playoffs against the Oklahoma City Thunder at FedEx Forum. Memphis Grizzlies defeat the Oklahoma City Thunder 103-97, and lead in the series 3-1. Mandatory Credit: Spruce Derden-USA TODAY Sports
Lionel Hollins gets my vote as the fifth-best coach in 2012-13.
Since the 2008-09 season, Hollins has a record 196-155 record as the head coach of the Memphis Grizzlies. With Hollins at the helm, the Grizzlies have seen their win column increase each year, and the 2012-13 season was no different.
With 56 wins in 2012-13, Hollins led the Grizzlies to a franchise-best campaign Not only did they have their best regular season, but the Grizzlies also made their first Western Conference Finals appearance.
Hollins did this even after trading away leading-scorer, Rudy Gay. Hollins’ ability to adapt proved too much for the the Los Angeles Clippers and Oklahoma City Thunder in the playoffs, as both teams struggled to gain any offensive momentum.