The Memphis Grizzlies made an inexplicable coaching change on Friday, firing Taylor Jenkins after six seasons. With nine games left, the team continues to fight for playoff positioning.
The decision left the players “shocked,” sources told Grizzlies beat writer Damichael Cole of the Memphis Commercial Appeal.
Memphis (44-29) hosts the Lakers (44-29) tonight at 8 EST in a key game for playoff positioning. They are currently tied for fourth place in the Western Conference standings, though the Lakers have the edge via conference record.
The Grizzlies have the fifth-youngest roster in the NBA and Jenkins will exit as their all-time winningest coach, surpassing Lionel Hollins, as Cole mentioned.
“As this season went on, the numbers continued to suggest an early playoff exit was in the future,” Cole wrote. “With an 11-20 record against teams above .500., they have the worst winning percentage of the top nine seeds in the West. Those struggles have grown since the All-Star break. Memphis has an 8-11 record since then and has dropped from the No. 2 seed to No. 5.”
NBA sources told Hoops Wire they thought that there could be a coaching change in Memphis after the season — but were shocked at the timing of the decision.
Some wondered if there wasn’t more than Jenkins’ coaching in play. “Has to be,” a rival GM said.
First-year assistant Tuomas Iisalo has been named interim coach and will have every opportunity to keep the job before the Grizzlies conduct a summer search.
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