Challenges await NBA's first-year head coaches

***** ***** "There's a risk involved in a decision like this," Levien said of the Grizzlies' move from Hollins to Joerger. "But we believe it's a

Jason Kidd of the Brooklyn Nets is one of a record nine first-year head coaches to start an NBA season :: Gerry Broome/AP

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Michael Malone landed the Kings' head coaching job after a 12-year run as an NBA assistant :: Rocy Widner/Getty Images

David Joerger faces the tall task of replacing a head coach that reached the conference finals last season :: Jeff Roberson/AP

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After spending 17 years as an assistant in San Antonio, Mike Budenholzer is taking over in Atlanta :: Alan Diaz/AP

"There's a risk involved in a decision like this," Levien said of the Grizzlies' move from Hollins to Joerger. "But we believe it's a calculated risk on our part. I believe our team has a lower floor than it had if we hadn't changed leadership, and also a higher ceiling."