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It's been a tumultuous few weeks for the Memphis Grizzlies. The team lost to Oklahoma City in the first round of the playoffs. Assistant general manager Stu Lash and CEO Jason Levien unexpectedly left the organization with reports of tension between Levien and owner Robert Pera leading to the moves. Head coach Dave Joerger appeared on his way to Minnesota, interviewing with the Timberwolves, before deciding to stay in Memphis.
Pera, the 36-year-old owner, has been at the center of it all. He took to his Twitter account on Sunday to take questions. Joerger's return was among the topics, but it was only the tip of the iceberg. Here are a few highlights.
First, let's clear the air about Joerger. Did he really only return because the Grizzlies and Timberwolves couldn't agree on compensation?
@RaganSmash YES! And contrary to reports, I never had a conversation with Minnesota..it never got that far
— Robert J Pera (@RobertPera) May 25, 2014
Yeah, about that ...
yet you let him interview for the job ... MT @RobertPera I never had a conversation with Minnesota..it never got that far
— Tom Ziller (@teamziller) May 25, 2014
It appears the change of direction may have been the result of a meeting between Pera and Joerger. Robert, meet Dave. Dave, this is Robert.
@thesulton25 I never really talked 1:1 with Joerger before this weekend. I think he's a great coach.
— Robert J Pera (@RobertPera) May 25, 2014
The lack of one-on-one meetings between the owner and coach may have been from the lack of time Pera spends in Memphis. Apparently that will increase next year, substantially.
@MississippiRebs More this year than previous years combined for sure
— Robert J Pera (@RobertPera) May 25, 2014
The situation with Joerger wasn't the only topic during the Q&A session. Far from it, actually.
@stukeyx2 I think I'll go with Central BBQ...but still lots of more places to try!
— Robert J Pera (@RobertPera) May 25, 2014
Whoops.
@stukeyx2 Just been told Rendezvous is our sponsor and I shouldn't have said that...I better get down there and try it!
— Robert J Pera (@RobertPera) May 25, 2014
Pera also has an interesting strategy on player development, sarcastically -- hopefully sarcastically -- encouraging fans to tweet at players urging them to workout more. Yes, because Twitter needs more "shouldn't you be in a gym working out?" responses to athletes.
@jsherm23 Nick, Quincy, Jon, Ed, JJ....all huge potential. Need your guys's help to get on their case about training right now
— Robert J Pera (@RobertPera) May 25, 2014
Before he was done, Pera weighed in on his Kanye West album preference.
@mynewhate The Graduation hands down the best one
— Robert J Pera (@RobertPera) May 25, 2014
Which, yeah ...
#thegraduation RT @AlexPutt02: @bomani_jones this has to be his worst answer: https://t.co/dbu4MRE8U8
— Bomani Jones (@bomani_jones) May 25, 2014