Grizzlies Appoint Iisalo as Head Coach: A New Era Begins After Interim Success!

The Memphis Grizzlies have named Tuomas Iisalo as their new head coach. General manager Zach Kleiman expressed strong confidence in Iisalo, highlighting his disciplined coaching style and ability to exceed expectations. “Tuomas’ teams are connected on both ends of the floor,” he stated.

Iisalo had a challenging start, stepping in as interim coach in late March. Despite limited time and a tough schedule, he guided the Grizzlies to the playoffs through the play-in tournament, though they were eliminated in the first round by the Oklahoma City Thunder. “We had 15 games and two practices,” he reflected. “That makes things difficult.”

Players like star Ja Morant voiced support for Iisalo in exit interviews. “I feel like Tuomas is a good coach,” Morant said. “We see the game similarly.” This positive feedback suggests that Iisalo’s approach resonated well with the team.

With a solid record of 48 wins and 34 losses this season, Iisalo aims to build upon a strong core featuring Morant, Desmond Bane, and Jaren Jackson Jr. His leadership comes after a successful tenure in Europe, where he led Paris Basketball to a EuroCup title and won Coach of the Year honors in 2024.

Iisalo emphasized the importance of understanding the culture of Memphis. “This city is hard-working,” he noted. “The club has roots in that.” His focus on hard work aligns with the team’s spirit and reflects a commitment to the community.

His appointment is historic, making him the first Finnish-born head coach in NBA history. This milestone sets a precedent, further diversifying the league’s coaching landscape. As the Grizzlies look to the future, they are banking on Iisalo’s vision and experience to guide them.

For more information on the Grizzlies’ new direction, check out the latest insights from ESPN.

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