J.B. Bickerstaff, the former Rockets interim coach and an assistant for four-plus years under Kevin McHale, returned to Toyota Center for the first time as Grizzlies coach.
Bickerstaff had been the interim coach last season after David Fizdale was fired, but the Rockets and Grizzlies had already completed the season series between the teams. He was made the long-term coach after the season.
"I was here for five years, was a part of some really good teams, got to work with a great coach and friend in Kevin McHale, learned from him every single day, was thrown in the fire a little bit at the interim," Bickerstaff said.