Coaches defend Memphis after LeBron James suggests Grizzlies should relocate

NBA coaches and Memphis officials pushed back Friday after LeBron James suggested the league would be better if the Grizzlies left Memphis for Nashville.

AP reported that Grizzlies coach Tuomas Iisalo said his experience of Memphis has been “very warm” and “very welcoming.” Raptors coach Darko Rajakovic, who previously worked in Memphis, said he loves the people and food in the city.

Memphis Mayor Paul Young also responded publicly, inviting James to come to Memphis and see the city for himself. Local coverage showed Young framing Memphis as a place worth visiting rather than leaving.

The comments came after James made the remarks during a YouTube appearance earlier this week. The reaction from coaches and city officials turned the exchange into a brief but notable NBA off-court story.

The Raptors were in Memphis on Friday night, and AP noted that the team also visited St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital after arriving in the city.