The Memphis Grizzlies have been reluctant to offer a public explanation for their surprising firing of coach Taylor Jenkins. A new report reveals, however, that there was one major concern in mind when the team made the move.
In an appearance on the “Brian Windhorst & The Hoop Collective” podcast, ESPN’s Tim MacMahon revealed that the move was made solely to address concerns about guard Ja Morant. MacMahon confirmed that Morant disliked the team’s new offense, and Jenkins was fired in the name of “optimizing” the star guard.
“This decision to do it now and to move on from LaRoche, and to lean back into all the pick and roll stuff… this was a decision that was about optimizing Ja Morant,” MacMahon said, via RealGM. “That was a primary motivator for this decision.
Grizzlies coach Taylor Jenkins looks ahead
May 3, 2022; Memphis, Tennessee, USA; Memphis Grizzlies head coach Taylor Jenkins watches during the first half in game two of the second round for the 2022 NBA playoffs against the Golden State Warriors at FedExForum. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-USA TODAY Sports
“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 this season and they’re leaning back hard into it.”
MacMahon noted that Morant had been the subject of trade speculation within NBA circles, and that there were suggestions that Morant was unhappy in Memphis. That confirms other reporting about Morant’s dislike of the new offense, which made the guard less ball-dominant.
Morant seemingly held no ill will toward Jenkins personally, but the offense was evidently an issue. This suggests that the Grizzlies wanted to send a message to Morant that they remain all-in on him with the offseason looming.
The Grizzlies were 44-29 when they fired Jenkins with nine games left in the regular season. The timing is certainly odd, but there is clearly some sense of urgency within the organization.