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Memphis Grizzlies side with Marc Gasol, fire Dave Fizdale

By Michael Saenz

MEMPHIS, TN - APRIL 27: Head coach David Fizdale of the Memphis Grizzlies speaks to the media prior to Game Six the Western Conference Quarterfinals game against the San Antonio Spurs during the 2017 NBA Playoffs at FedExForum on April 27, 2017 in Memphis, Tennessee. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Frederick Breedon/Getty Images)
MEMPHIS, TN - APRIL 27: Head coach David Fizdale of the Memphis Grizzlies speaks to the media prior to Game Six the Western Conference Quarterfinals game against the San Antonio Spurs during the 2017 NBA Playoffs at FedExForum on April 27, 2017 in Memphis, Tennessee. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Frederick Breedon/Getty Images) /
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NBA Rumors: The Memphis Grizzlies have seemingly sided with their star center Marc Gasol in a power struggle and have fired Dave Fizdale

The Memphis Grizzlies have lost eight straight games, are without Mike Conley indefinitely and now have fired head coach Dave Fizdale.

If the eight game skid wasn’t enough for the second-year coach, he sealed his fate when he benched his star center Marc Gasol for the entire fourth quarter in the team’s 10-point loss at the hands of the Brooklyn Nets Sunday.

Gasol had some choice words after his apparent benching Sunday, and it was pretty clear the he didn’t appreciate the move.

"[via Commercial Appeal]Gasol said he was never given an explanation by anyone on the coaching staff, and called the benching an “awkward situation.”“I don’t like it one bit,” Gasol said. “I’m more (angry) than I can show, and frustrated. But for the benefit of the team, I’ve got to show good leadership and continue to do my job.”"

Taking it a step further, the relationship between Fizdale and Gasol was already on the rocks, reportedly.

It sounds like a decision needed to be made in Memphis: Fizdale or Gasol. It’s pretty clear who management sided with now. Question is moving forward, was this the tip of the ice berg or was this the only issue?

Odds are that there are deeper issues going on here, especially as the team continues to struggle without Conley. However, the fact that the team decided not to move Gasol – and instead to fire Fizdale – gives us all the proof that we need when it comes to the Gasol trade rumors.

It’s probably highly unlikely, now, that the team will shop or move GAsol  this season. If that were the case, the team could’ve kept Fizdale and thens hope Gasol. They elected against that, which tells us they sided with Gasoline.

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In Fizdale’s absence, J.B. Bickerstaff will take over as the team’s interim head coach. Bickerstaff last coached the Houston Rockets during the 2015-16 NBA season before being relived of his duties.

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