The Memphis Grizzlies shocked the NBA world by firing head coach Taylor Jenkins, especially considering the team held a strong 44-30 record and ranked among the top six in the Western Conference. The surprising move immediately sparked widespread speculation about what led to his sudden dismissal. Now, an NBA insider has shed light on what may have been the real reason behind the franchise’s unexpected decision to part ways with Jenkins.
“There has been noise about Ja being unhappy all season long…Ja was out on them, they won games without him. They have to be sustainable.’ And he said, ‘This is a move that goes in the face of that (trading Ja Morant).’ Basically, this is a ‘Hey Ja, you’re still our guy, everything we do is going to be based on what’s best for you, what optimizes you. They got away from that for a lot of the season and they are leaning hard back into it,” stated NBA Insider Tim MacMahon.
This situation lines up with a report from Sam Amick. He claimed that Ja Morant had issues with Taylor Jenkins, specifically on offense. Despite that, Morant said he was surprised by the coach’s firing after the loss to the Lakers. “It’s tough for me. I’ve had Coach Taylor since I got here. Everything I’ve done in a Grizzlies jersey has pretty much been under him…With the timing, it’s just tough. We had to quickly turn the page,” affirmed Morant to William Guillory of The Athletic.
If the reports are true, the Grizzlies are taking a major risk. They seem willing to sacrifice a long-term project for one player. Taylor Jenkins coached the team for six seasons. He helped shape the franchise’s identity and built a strong core. This season, the Grizzlies showed resilience despite key injuries. They stayed competitive without their full roster. Ja Morant may be the face of the franchise, but centering everything around one star could backfire in the long run.
Ja Morant #12 of the Memphis Grizzlies reacts during the second half against the New Orleans Pelicans of an Emirates NBA Cup game at FedExForum on November 29, 2024 in Memphis, Tennessee.
Grizzlies player Desmond Bane takes accountability for Taylor Jenkins’ firing after team’s struggles
The Memphis Grizzlies had a better season than teams like the Golden State Warriors, Los Angeles Clippers, and Minnesota Timberwolves. Despite that, the franchise fired Taylor Jenkins. The decision shocked many, especially with the Grizzlies seen as serious contenders for the NBA title. After the firing, Desmond Bane addressed the situation. He defended his former head coach and took responsibility for the team’s struggles.
see also
NBA News: Grizzlies’ Ja Morant opens up about the challenges of being sidelined due to injury
“It’s on us for sure…You know, we’re the five players out there. Coach didn’t shoot one shot all season. He didn’t guard anybody. He gives us a great gameplan and we didn’t execute it to the level we needed to, so lot of times coaches and other people end up taking the fall, but ultimately, it’s on the players,” explained Desmond Bane to Avery Braxton of ABC 24 Memphis.
