Grizzlies assistant coach Barry Hecker is no longer on the Memphis coaching staff after he reportedly "got into it" with coach Lionel Hollins and an Oklahoma City Thunder fan in Game 2 of the Western Conference semifinals series, the Chris Vernon radio show reported on Monday.
Grizzlies assistant coach Barry Hecker no longer on staff
The Memphis Grizzlies no longer have assistant coach Barry Hecker on their staff after a reported incident during Game 2 of the Western Conference semifinals series against the Oklahoma City Thunder.
Nelson Chenault-USA TODAY Sports
The Memphis Commercial Appeal first reported the story after noticing Hecker was not on the bench on Saturday for an 87-81 win against Oklahoma City. The team did not say why Hecker was removed from his duties.
The Chris Vernon Show said Hecker had hired a lawyer following the strangely timed leave.
For more visit Memphis blog: Grizzly Bear Blues
Hecker joined the Grizzlies in 2008 and until his removal from the Grizzlies had spent more than 40 years in basketball. He coached in the China Basketball Association prior to joining Memphis, and before that he spent 16 years with the Los Angeles Clippers. Hecker joined the Clippers in 1986 as the director of scouting and from 1994-98 acted as an assistant coach. From 2001-05, Hecker was both an assistant coach and the director of player personnel.
Hecker had a history with Hollins, and their relationship reportedly was 25 years long. During 2000-01, he assisted Hollins on the International Basketball League’s Las Vegas Bandits squad.
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