NBA coaches defend Memphis after LeBron James suggests Grizzlies relocate
Two NBA head coaches have strongly defended the culture of Memphis after Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James controversially suggested the Grizzlies franchise should relocate to Nashville.
The four-time NBA champion recently voiced his displeasure with the Tennessee city during an appearance on a YouTube sports channel.
James claimed that visiting players have nothing to do when travelling to face the Grizzlies, suggesting the league would benefit if the team moved 200 miles east.
Coaches push back against relocation claims
Current Grizzlies head coach Tuomas Iisalo and Toronto Raptors boss Darko Rajakovic swiftly rejected the negative assessment of their host city.
Rajakovic previously worked as an assistant in Memphis before taking charge of the Canadian franchise and retains enormous affection for the local community.
“I don’t care what the rest of the world thinks. I love the people of Memphis. I love the food. I love every single time I come over here.”
The Raptors squad arrived a day early for Friday’s fixture and spent their free time visiting patients at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
The Serbian tactician described the charitable visit as an incredibly inspiring experience for his entire roster.
A passionate and welcoming fanbase
Iisalo is currently navigating his first full season at the helm of the Grizzlies after stepping up from an assistant role.
The Finnish coach insisted that his personal experience of the city has been entirely positive since arriving two years ago.
“I can say from my own perspective that I have the complete opposite, 180-degree perspective on that. The Memphis where we have arrived less than two years ago has been very warm, very welcoming.”
The 39-year-old added that the local supporters remain one of the most dedicated fanbases in the entire professional basketball landscape.
The Los Angeles Lakers forward had even gone as far as claiming he might have refused to play if Memphis had selected him with the first overall pick in the 2003 draft.
“All I can say is Memphis is the right place for the Grizzlies.”