Marc Gasol might not have explicitly request the Grizzlies fire David Fizdale, but the center’s comments after Memphis’ latest loss were certainly heard – especially in the context of their longstanding tension.
How responsible is Gasol for the Grizzlies firing Fizdale yesterday?
Peter Edmiston of Sports 56:
Marc Gasol: "I was shocked by (the firing)
— Peter Edmiston (@peteredmiston) November 28, 2017
Me: Did you ask for Fizdale to be fired?
Marc: "No. Not at all."
Me: Did you speak to Robert Pera?
Marc: "I spoke to Robert - I found out after the decision was made. They let me know the direction but not before the decision was made."
I asked Marc if he was concerned he was going to be perceived as a coach-killer: "That's all right. There's nothing I can do about that. Nothing I can do. All I can do is win, try to figure out (the problem), own my part, my responsibility for the record we have."
— Peter Edmiston (@peteredmiston) November 28, 2017
However the Grizzlies reached their decision on Fizdale was at least partially with Gasol in mind. And that’s OK. He’s a star player, and the team should make reasonable accommodations for him.
Was firing Fizdale reasonable? Tough to say from the outside.
But Gasol ought to know – and probably does – his words carry weight in Memphis. He didn’t necessarily owe it to Fizdale to get in line behind him and stay there forever. The more Gasol resisted, the more likely Fizdale’s firing became.
Gasol needn’t flaunt that power now. He already exercised it. But the rest of us can still understand it exists.