The Memphis Grizzlies are having a great season and are currently in a playoff spot in the NBA. Even with their success, the team has made an unexpected choice about head coach Taylor Jenkins’ future. The Grizzlies are putting together a strong NBA season. With a record of 44–29, they are in fourth place in the Western Conference, ahead of LeBron James’ Los Angeles Lakers. Young stars Jaren Jackson Jr. and Ja Morant have been important on offense, scoring an average of 22.4 and 22.3 points per game, respectively. Despite the team’s impressive performance, the Grizzlies have reportedly made a daring decision about head coach Taylor Jenkins.
The Memphis Grizzlies have unexpectedly let go of head coach Taylor Jenkins. The team released a statement saying, “I truly appreciate Taylor’s contributions to both this team and this city over the last six seasons… This was a hard decision, especially considering the steady growth of our players and the overall success we experienced under Taylor’s guidance… I wish Taylor all the best in the future,” said Grizzlies general manager Zach Kleiman.
NBA insider Shams Charania reported that Taylor Jenkins learned about his firing during a meeting with team executives this morning. This news surprised many in the league, as Jenkins had a record of 250–214 over his six seasons with the team. Letting him go just before the NBA Playoffs raises questions, especially for a team looking to make a strong postseason run. Despite the shock of his departure, Jenkins’ impressive history makes him a strong candidate for coaching jobs in the upcoming season. His skill in developing young players and leading competitive teams makes him attractive to organizations hoping for playoff success. Dismissing one of your most successful coaches might not be the best decision of the season, especially since Taylor Jenkins took the Grizzlies to the playoffs three times during his six years. However, it’s not just the choice itself but also the timing that is surprising.
