http://tinyurl.com/69drr Camp Stories: Southwest by Steve Kerr, Yahoo! Sports October 18, 2004 The Memphis Grizzlies were the surprise team of the NBA last season, winning 50 games and making the playoffs for the first time in franchise history. With Coach of the Year Hubie Brown returning and the deep, young team playing in the brand new FedEx Forum this season, expectations are high. But as general manager Jerry West continues his efforts to transform this franchise into one of the league's elite, he's faced with a sobering reality: Brown will most likely retire after this season, leaving the team's coaching position up in the air. It isn't often that a coaching change in the NBA can have a profound effect on a franchise's future, but this one might. The 71-year-old Brown transformed the Grizzlies into a dynamic, exciting team last season by employing a 10-man rotation, an attacking defense and a balanced, fundamentally sound offense. His powerful presence helped young Jason Williams become a better point guard and leader, and it forced veterans like Bonzi Wells to submit themselves to the team concept that Brown preached. Most NBA coaches don't play 10 players because it's difficult to keep everyone happy when they're constantly being shuffled in and out of the lineup. But Brown recognized that playing a deep rotation not only gave his team a better chance to win, but it also aided the development of a young roster, thereby enhancing each player's value around the league. Memphis is now poised to make a blockbuster trade – should it so choose – because the roster is filled with assets. West would love to keep his coach around longer. At Brown's age, though, the rigors of NBA life are demanding. Brown reportedly came close to retiring at the end of last season, but West convinced him to stick around. The Grizzlies are entering the newly formed Southwest Division – the toughest in the NBA – and if they're to build on last season's success, they'll need every bit of Brown's wits and presence to help them do so. Then, West will have to find a coach to continue the team's ascension. --

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