Memphis Grizzlies: Playing Roulette with their future...again.

At game 3 of their first round playoff match up against the OKC Thunder, the Memphis Grizzlies placed rally towels in every seat that simply read..."Believe".

I guess they knew something we didn't.

We Don't Bluff City...your majority owner is at it again. Asking you to believe...because he can't seem to figure out the direction of his franchise. Being a Grizzlies fan should come with a disclaimer...

"If you have a fear of change...you need not apply".

Since Robert Pera bought the team in October of 2012, he's pulled the trigger on several controversial moves...and no one seems to be safe. Fans are wondering why...why keep messing with a good thing? It's not like Pera was inheriting the Vancouver Grizzlies.

Since it's metamorphosis in 2010, the "Grit & Grind" Grizzles have averaged 48 regular season wins (in a tough Western Conference). They've also quietly amassed 21 playoff victories in that span, reaching the post season each of the last four seasons.

But almost immediately, Pera started blowing things up. First up was leading scorer Rudy Gay...who was jettisoned to Toronto for what seemed to be a lump of coal (Tayshaun Prince, Ed Davis). The front office's message to Grizz Nation?

Believe.

We did, but little did we know that head coach Lionel Hollins was up next. Fresh off the franchise's first Western Conference Finals appearance, Hollins was "not retained" by Pera. Not only did the team improve four straight seasons under Hollins, he embodied the Grit & Grind mystique. He was a tough player in the rugged 70's, and the perfect personality fit. Pera's response to the fans outcry?

Believe

OK, so Memphis won 50 games again this season under first year head coach Dave Joerger. And he did it one of the toughest Western Conferences in the history of the league. We lost in 7 games to the league MVP, but didn't have Z-Bo. Ok...we're buying back in...we're believing.

Grizz Nation woke up this past Monday morning to hear Pera basically saying..."Um...yea...about Dave Joerger...."

Say What?

Yep, out of nowhere again, Pera decided to fire his CEO and assistant General Manager. You know...the two that were responsible for replacing coach Hollins with Joerger. A few days ago, current coach Joerger was given permission to interview for the vacant Minnesota Timberwolves head coaching job. Pera's translation...

"Don't let the doorknob hit ya...."

And did I mention Joerger was hired just last year...and won 50 games...and went to the playoffs...just like Hollins?

So...now we need a new coach. And not just any coach, but a coach that can adjust his style to the current roster in place. Not even Phil Jackson in his prime can turn this current roster into an offensive minded run and gun unit. They would have to completely blow up the team as constructed and start from scratch.

Good luck with that.

Throw in the fact that Z-Bo can opt out of his deal this summer, and Marc Gasol's contract will need to be addressed before season's end, and you have all the makings of another classic Pera quote.

Believe.

My question is...does he?      follow @plcolter