The Memphis Grizzlies have been one of many higher tales of the NBA season. Coming off a 27-win season stricken by accidents, Memphis roared again into the Western Convention playoff image with Ja Morant again within the lineup and Jaren Jackson Jr. enjoying at an All-NBA degree. The Grizzlies have been monitoring because the No. 2 seed within the West as just lately because the All-Star break, however instantly the franchise has introduced a stunning shakeup weeks earlier than the beginning of the playoffs.
The Grizzlies fired head coach Taylor Jenkins on Friday afternoon. Jenkins had been Memphis’ coach since 2019, and was on the verge of main the franchise to his third 50+ win season. Memphis’ lead govt Zack Kleinman launched this assertion, calling it a “troublesome choice.”
The Grizzlies are 8-11 after the All-Star break thus far. If the season ended right this moment, Memphis could be the No. 5 seed within the 2025 NBA Playoffs towards the Los Angeles Lakers.
It’s straightforward to marvel if there’s extra to this story, as a result of it doesn’t make a lot sense from a basketball perspective with 9 video games left to go within the common season. Jenkins helped remake the Grizzlies’ offense to be much less reliant on pick-and-rolls, and it produced some beautiful basketball this season. It is a stunning choice.
ESPN’s Shams Charania reported “Jenkins was referred to as into the Grizzlies workplace this morning and was fired in particular person, sources inform ESPN. Gorgeous dismissal.”
We’ll replace this story because it develops.