Chapter 157: Toppling Dominoes.
The dismissal of Hollins was justified, as his performance in last season's playoffs had shown him to be both stubborn and incompetent.
Stubbornness alone isn't a dealbreaker; many renowned coaches have this flaw, as their previous success often makes it hard for them to adapt to changes in the game.
But incompetence—being thoroughly outmatched by coaches like Popovich and Carlisle—was deadly.
When a team sets its sights on a championship, it's almost inevitable that the coach will be let go. After all, in the NBA, coaches come much cheaper than players.
What surprised Han Sen was the timing.
If the front office had realized Hollins' flaws by the end of the playoffs, they should have dismissed him right afterward, allowing them time to find a replacement.
If they still wanted to evaluate him, the decision could have been delayed until the season had progressed a bit.
But with the lockout barely lifted and the season yet to start, firing him now felt like a case of "executing the general on the eve of battle."
Or... could it be that some big-name coach had already agreed to come on board with the Grizzlies? Phil Jackson? Jerry Sloan?
Either of these legendary coaches could return at any moment. Mike Brown and Larry Brown were also available.
But even those big names would need time to implement a new system, and with a shortened season, time was tight.