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The Memphis Grizzlies may be struggling on the court this season, but they’ve recently found themselves back in the national spotlight for reasons beyond basketball.
Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James made headlines after criticizing Memphis hotels, then took it a step further by suggesting the Grizzlies should be relocated to Nashville.
"Memphis on a (expletive) random ass Thursday," James said. "I'm not like the first guy to even talk about it in the NBA. We all, like, 'You guys have to move. Just go over to Nashville. You got Vanderbilt over there, you got the (expletive) NASCAR, you got a stadium. Don't they got a hockey team? Like, they've got everything."
Those remarks prompted responses from Grizzlies coach Tuomas Iisalo and Toronto Raptors coach Darko Rajaković, both of whom pushed back on the narrative surrounding the city.
Iisalo, who joined the Grizzlies ahead of the 2024–25 season, said his experience in Memphis has been overwhelmingly positive.
“First of all, I don’t pay too much attention to what other people say,” he said. “But from my own perspective, I have a completely opposite, 180-degree view. The Memphis we arrived in less than two years ago has been very warm, very welcoming and a great community.
“On the basketball side, we have one of the most passionate fan bases in the league," he added. "The whole city rallies behind the team. All I can say is Memphis is the right place for the Grizzlies, and I’m happy to be here.”
Rajaković, who served as a Grizzlies assistant coach from 2020 to 2023, echoed those sentiments. During his time in Memphis, he made a point to immerse himself in the community.
When the Raptors arrived in Memphis on April 2, Rajaković arranged for the team to visit St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. He said players expressed gratitude for the opportunity afterward.
Reflecting on his time in the city, Rajaković offered a strong endorsement.
“I don’t care what the rest of the world thinks,” he said. “I have my opinion. I love the people of Memphis. I had an amazing time living here, spending time in East Memphis and Germantown. I love the food. I enjoy every visit back. I like running by the Mississippi River, and I love Shelby County. I had an amazing experience here, and I truly loved living in Memphis. That’s my perspective.”
Damichael Cole is the Memphis Grizzlies beat writer for The Commercial Appeal. Contact Damichael at [email protected]. Follow Damichael on X, formerly known as Twitter, @DamichaelC.
This article originally appeared on Memphis Commercial Appeal: NBA coaches respond to LeBron James' comments on Nashville, Memphis
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Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James made headlines after criticizing Memphis hotels, then took it a step further by suggesting the Grizzlies should be relocated to Nashville.
"Memphis on a (expletive) random ass Thursday," James said. "I'm not like the first guy to even talk about it in the NBA. We all, like, 'You guys have to move. Just go over to Nashville. You got Vanderbilt over there, you got the (expletive) NASCAR, you got a stadium. Don't they got a hockey team? Like, they've got everything."
Those remarks prompted responses from Grizzlies coach Tuomas Iisalo and Toronto Raptors coach Darko Rajaković, both of whom pushed back on the narrative surrounding the city.
Iisalo, who joined the Grizzlies ahead of the 2024–25 season, said his experience in Memphis has been overwhelmingly positive.
“First of all, I don’t pay too much attention to what other people say,” he said. “But from my own perspective, I have a completely opposite, 180-degree view. The Memphis we arrived in less than two years ago has been very warm, very welcoming and a great community.
“On the basketball side, we have one of the most passionate fan bases in the league," he added. "The whole city rallies behind the team. All I can say is Memphis is the right place for the Grizzlies, and I’m happy to be here.”
Rajaković, who served as a Grizzlies assistant coach from 2020 to 2023, echoed those sentiments. During his time in Memphis, he made a point to immerse himself in the community.
When the Raptors arrived in Memphis on April 2, Rajaković arranged for the team to visit St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. He said players expressed gratitude for the opportunity afterward.
Reflecting on his time in the city, Rajaković offered a strong endorsement.
“I don’t care what the rest of the world thinks,” he said. “I have my opinion. I love the people of Memphis. I had an amazing time living here, spending time in East Memphis and Germantown. I love the food. I enjoy every visit back. I like running by the Mississippi River, and I love Shelby County. I had an amazing experience here, and I truly loved living in Memphis. That’s my perspective.”
Damichael Cole is the Memphis Grizzlies beat writer for The Commercial Appeal. Contact Damichael at [email protected]. Follow Damichael on X, formerly known as Twitter, @DamichaelC.
This article originally appeared on Memphis Commercial Appeal: NBA coaches respond to LeBron James' comments on Nashville, Memphis
Continue reading...
