by Kevin Spain, USA TODAY Sports

ESPN columnist John Hollinger is joining the front office of the Memphis Grizzlies, the network reported.

According to a story by Mark Stein of ESPN, ‘Hollinger was recruited to the Grizzlies by new controlling owner Robert Pera and CEO/managing partner Jason Levien, who have made upgrading Memphis’ analytics department one of their front-office priorities.’

“It’s incredibly difficult to leave ESPN, but the chance to work for an NBA team and the Grizzlies’ new ownership was an irresistible opportunity,” Hollinger said in the report.

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