Memphis Grizzlies Shake Things Up: Coach Taylor Jenkins Let Go with Just 9 Games Remaining in the Season!

The Memphis Grizzlies have shaken things up by firing head coach Taylor Jenkins, who was the franchise’s all-time winningest coach. This decision comes with just nine games left in the regular season, a move that caught many by surprise.

Currently, the Grizzlies hold a record of 44-29 and sit fifth in the Western Conference. However, they’ve struggled recently, losing four out of five games and 11 out of 19 since the All-Star break. Grizzlies general manager Zach Kleiman’s statement didn’t detail the reasoning behind the dismissal but did express gratitude for Jenkins’ six seasons at the helm. It’s no secret that Jenkins and some players had underlying tensions which likely contributed to this decision.

Speculations regarding star player Ja Morant’s future are rampant. Earlier this year, Kleiman had to publicly deny rumors about trading Morant, indicating the level of concern surrounding the team’s stability.

Jenkins’ frustrations with the team’s leadership can be traced back to last summer when he was told to let go of most of his coaching staff after a rough season. That season, Morant and teammate Desmond Bane missed a staggering 113 games collectively, leading to a dismal 27-55 record.

Heading into the current season, Jenkins aimed for a fast-paced style of play, hoping to capitalize on the athleticism of players like Morant, Bane, and Jaren Jackson Jr. However, this aggressive approach came with its challenges. Morant was seen engaging in heated discussions with Jenkins about rotations and play calling during games, signaling deep-rooted issues.

This season, Morant, a two-time All-Star, has struggled, averaging 22.3 points per game on 44.9% shooting from the field—his lowest since 2020-21. His turnover rate has also spiked to a career-high of 3.7, adding to concerns about his form amid injuries, as he has only suited up for 43 games this season.

Two weeks ago, the Grizzlies were ranked second but suffered a crushing defeat to Cleveland. Now, they find themselves with a slim 2.5-game lead over the L.A. Clippers and Golden State Warriors, who are tied for seventh place. The pressure is building for Memphis to secure their playoff spot, especially with the Play-In Tournament looming for teams ranked seventh to tenth.

During Jenkins’ tenure, the Grizzlies reached the playoffs three times, including back-to-back 50-win seasons in 2021-22 and 2022-23. His overall coaching record stands at 250 wins to 214 losses, including a playoff record of 9-14. As the team transitions to an interim coach, the road ahead will be crucial for their playoff hopes.

For more insights on the coaching changes within the NBA and their impacts, you can check this detailed NBA report.

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