Elston Turner will join the Memphis Grizzlies' new coaching staff as the lead assistant behind head coach Dave Joerger, according to Chris Haynes of CSN Northwest. The longtime NBA assistant coach and defensive specialist will fill a spot on the staff for a team moving on from the troubled relationship with former coach Lionel Hollins.
Grizzlies to hire Elston Turner as lead assistant coach, according to report
Longtime NBA assistant coach and defensive specialist Elston Turner will join Dave Joerger’s staff in Memphis.
Mark J. Rebilas-US PRESSWIRE
Turner was most recently with the Phoenix Suns but left last season after the team parted ways with head coach Alvin Gentry. With the interim position given to then-player development coach Lindsey Hunter, both Turner and fellow assistant coach Dan Majerle decided not to continue with Phoenix.
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One of the most prominent assistant coaches in the game, Turner has interviewed for head coaching positions a number of times, most recently this offseason. He met with the Charlotte Bobcats regarding their head coaching vacancy before the team decided to hire Steve Clifford.
Turner also had interest in joining Rick Adelman’s staff in Minnesota, an opportunity that had been denied to him by the Suns.
Prior to his coaching career. Turner played in the NBA from 1981-89 and continued his career in the CBA and overseas.
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