The Memphis Grizzlies and Indiana Pacers employed different styles when it came to selecting head coaches.
While the Grizz, who sported the leagues worst record this season, went for youth in Phoenix assistant Marc Iavaroni, Larry Bird and the Pacers went for leadership in former head coach Jim O'Brien.
O'Brien, who previously coached the 76ers and Celtics, will replace Rick Carlisle who was dismissed as head coach back in April. During his five-year coaching career O'Brien compiled a record of 182-158 and lead the Celtics to the Eastern Conference finals in 2001.
During his one season in Philadelphia players perceived O'Brien as a tough coach to play for. It will be interesting to see if he has reformed his coaching techniques during his time off and can return the Pacers to the playoffs.
If all indications are correct he will not have the services of all-star Jermaine O'Neal who's expected to be dealt to the Lakers at some point this month. That would be a major blow for a coach that has had superstars like Paul Pierce and Allen Iverson to work with in the past.
The hiring of Marc Iavaroni is a wise decision for a Memphis club that is looking to steer themselves in the right direction. Iavaroni learned for many years under Mike D'Antoni, and the Grizzlies are hoping that he will be able to implement some offensive fire power into their system.
With the uncertain future of big man Pau Gasol and a team that went 22-60 last season, it will be a difficult task for Iavaroni to turn the Grizzlies into a winner.
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