The Grizzlies believe this firing will help reconnect the team's tantalizing core -- and reignite Ja Morant. But in truth, this dismissal began with five other ones nearly a year ago.

The Athletic's Sam Amick, Fred Katz and Joe Vardon previously reported after that Morant "remained supportive of the coach up to the end," but did not enjoy playing in an offensive system that "takes the ball out of his hands and removes the screens he likes to use as a ball handler to make plays."

The fact that Morant was unhappy in Memphis was no secret around the NBA. "As the Grizzlies spiraled, losing six of eight after the All-Star break, pressure mounted to the point w