Nuggets to interview former Grizzlies coach Lionel Hollins

May 27, 2013; Memphis, TN, USA; Memphis Grizzlies head coach Lionel Hollins is interviewed before game four of the Western Conference finals of the 2013 NBA Playoffs against the San Antonio Spurs at FedEx Forum. Mandatory Credit: Nelson Chenault-USA TODAY Sports

According to Benjamin Hochman of the Denver Post, former Memphis Grizzlies coach Lionel Hollins will interview with the Denver Nuggets Saturday for the coaching vacancy. Per Hochman, Hollins and Indiana Pacers assistant coach Brian Shaw are the two leading targets for the Nuggets head coaching position.

The Grizzlies, under Hollins’ direction, won a franchise record 56 games before eventually being swept by the San Antonio Spurs in the Western Conference Finals. Differing views between Hollins and management seemed to be the reason the Grizzlies decided not to bring back the 59-year-old coach.

Hollins is known around the league as a defensive guru who squeezes the most out of his players on the offensive end. Since 2008, when he took over the head coaching position in Memphis, the Grizzlies improve their winning percentage each season.

The head coaching position is open after Nuggets president Josh Kroenke decided to relieve George Karl of his duties with one year left on his contract. This, less than a week after the NBA’s Executive of the Year Masai Ujiri left town to take the same position with the Toronto Raptors. The Nuggets No. 1 priority should be hiring a head coach and a general manager before the June 27 NBA Draft.

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