The Memphis Grizzlies would apparently love to glean from the Gregg Popovich coaching tree. After recently firing head coach Dave Joerger, the Grizzlies have reportedly received permission from the San Antonio Spurs to interview assistant coach Ettore Messina.
Grizzlies have received permission to interview Spurs assistant coach Ettore Messina for head coach opening, a source told @TheUndefeated.
— Marc J. Spears (@MarcJSpears) May 14, 2016
The 56-year-old Italian coach in reality brings his own legacy to the table, having spent only the past two seasons under Popovich in San Antonio. Somewhat of an international legend, Messina has coached all over the world, From Italy to Spain to Russia and the United States.
He was recently linked to other teams in search of new head coaches, including the Los Angeles Lakcrs (where he consulted for a the 2011-12 season), the Indiana Pacers and Sacramento Kings.
Messina has engineered championships wherever he’s been in charge. Combined with his two years under Pop, it’s no wonder he’s being so hotly pursued this offseason by teams in need of new leadership.