The Memphis Grizzlies fired their head coach Taylor Jenkins on Friday in a stunning move, leaving the rest of the NBA world scratching their collective heads. In the wake of this huge decision, fans believe that a recent dust up between Desmond Bane and Santi Aldama could have contributed to Jenkins' dismissal.
On the surface, things were going well for Memphis. They are tied for the No. 4 seed in the Western Conference, and assuming they can stay healthy, they could end up going on a deep playoff run this year. The Grizzlies appear to have felt differently, as general manager Zach Kleiman explained why the team moved on from Jenkins.
"I came to the conclusion that this is in the best interest of the team, and urgency is a core principle of ours, so decided to go on with the move," Kleiman said at a press conference on Saturday. "The players were not consulted on this decision. This decision is mine and mine only."
Kleiman's comments didn't help clear the air much, as there's just nine games until the postseason starts, which makes the timing of this move all the more confusing. With fans looking for an explanation, they recalled a recent heated altercation between Bane and Aldama that took place on the Grizzlies bench.
"Just the other night … Ja was laughing, Jenkins was huddled up, Today Jenkins is gone … what's going on," @GuruLakers shared in a post on X.
Just the other night… Ja was laughing, Jenkins was huddled up,
Today Jenkins is gone… what's going on pic.twitter.com/jgpzavRWoG
— LakersGuru (@GuruLakers) March 28, 2025
Regardless of the reason why Jenkins was fired, the only thing the Grizzlies can do is move forward. Tuomas Iisalo was quickly named Jenkins' replacement in the interim, and he is credited for being the architect of the offensive scheme that the team has run this season.
Memphis will be back in action on Saturday night, as they take on the team they are tied with for the No. 4 seed in the West, the Los Angeles Lakers. Tip-off is scheduled for 8 p.m. ET.
Related: Grizzlies Announce Taylor Jenkins Replacement After Stunning Decision
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This story was originally published March 29, 2025 at 4:16 PM.