The Memphis Grizzlies announced, in a surprising and somewhat confusing move, that they are parting ways with head coach Taylor Jenkins after six seasons. The decision comes as the team currently sits in fifth place in the Western Conference, battling to avoid the play-in tournament with the playoffs just two weeks away.
Despite their playoff position, a 1-4 record over the last five games and an 8-11 stretch since the All-Star break appeared to prompt the front office to make the change. Star guard Ja Morant remains sidelined with a right hamstring injury, and it seems the locker room may no longer have been aligned with Jenkins.
Given the level of impatience often seen in the NBA, the move isn’t entirely shocking—but the timing certainly is.
Grizzlies President Zach Kleiman released a statement acknowledging Jenkins’ impact on the team and the city.
“I’m genuinely appreciative of Taylor’s contributions to this team and this city over the past six seasons,” Kleiman said. “This was a difficult decision, given the consistent and tangible development of our players and overall success under Taylor’s leadership. I wish Taylor the very best going forward.”
Jenkins, who holds the franchise record for most coaching wins with 250, is expected to land another NBA role in the near future. As for the Grizzlies, the immediate question is how they’ll navigate the final nine games of the regular season without their head coach.
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