Grizzlies owner Michael Heisley swears he never made a firm, five-year offer to former Mavericks coach Avery Johnson (below) to replace Marc Iavaroni, and we believe him.

Heisley says Johnson made it clear, through intermediaries, that he had no interest in coaching the Grizzlies, so negotiations ended before they began.

What this tells me is that Johnson is smarter than a lot of former coaches who are itching to get back on the job. The Grizzlies have a talented young roster - Rudy Gay, O.J. Mayo, Marc Gasol, Hakim Warrick and Mike Conley form a nice core around which a competitive team can be built - but Johnson understands that real success in the NBA requires a combination that includes a fan base willing to pay the price to build a championship roster.

There's a lot to like about Memphis: Beale Street, blues, barbecue and Elvis.

I'm just not sure there is a big enough fan base and corporate structure to provide what a major pro sports franchise needs, especially in a recession.

It appears the Little General had the same concerns, and now the fans who have remained loyal to a chronically bad Grizzlies team wonder why the best Heisley can do is to re-hire Lionel Hollins, who will be making his third appearance as the franchise's head coach, and who went 18-46 in his two previous tries, both on an interim basis.

"You can't always play to the crowd," Grizzlies general manager Chris Wallace told the Memphis Commercial Appeal. "You have to do what's best."

Give the Grizzlies credit: They wanted to do what's best, which would have been hiring Johnson.

Give Johnson credit for understanding he is better off waiting for a better opportunity.

POWER RANKINGS

The Rest

11. Hawks (15)

21. Knicks (26)

12. Mavericks (12)

22. Nets (20)

13. Pistons (10)

23. Raptors (17)

14. Heat (14)

24. Bulls (21)

15. Suns (11)

25. Thunder (24)

16. 76ers (16)

26. Warriors (28)

17. Timberwolves (19)

27. Grizzlies (25)

18. Bobcats (23)

28. Kings (27)

19. Bucks (18)

29. Clippers (30)

20. Pacers (22)

30. Wizards (29)