Vertical Pod with Chris Mannix: J.B. Bickerstaff
Memphis Grizzlies associate head coach J.B Bickerstaff joins The Vertical Podcast with Chris Mannix.
Bickerstaff details growing up around the league as the son of head coach Bernie Bickerstaff. He recalls moving around the country to follow his father’s career and interacting with legendary players as a child and teenager.
Bickerstaff also discusses why the Houston Rockets struggled last season and his current situation with the Grizzlies.
1:00: Growing up as an NBA coach’s son.
4:50: Bickerstaff’s favorite childhood memories around the league.
8:22: Watching Shawn Kemp in his prime with the SuperSonics.
10:33: The importance of playing physically and forcing the referees to make the call.
11:55: Bickerstaff’s playing days and lifelong coaching ambitions.
14:54: Working as an assistant under his father and living up to expectations.
18:48: Developing his own coaching reputation.
21:40: His father’s coaching stories and lessons.
24:34: The disappointment of Kevin McHale’s firing by the Rockets last season and taking over as interim coach.
27:30: What led to the Rockets’ poor start last season.
32:19: Bickerstaff’s frustration following the team’s first-round loss to the Warriors.
35:22: His evaluation of his performance during his interim stint with the Rockets.
37:46: Why Bickerstaff joined David Fizdale’s staff in Memphis.
40:14: How the Grizzlies remain focused on their own progress instead of worrying about the Warriors.
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