The Memphis Grizzlies fired head coach Taylor Jenkins despite a strong record, citing performance decline and internal tensions. Star player Ja Morant’s dissatisfaction with the team’s new offensive scheme and injuries have fueled trade rumors. Interim coach Tuomas Iisalo’s adoption of the motion offense leaves Morant’s future with the franchise uncertain as contract until 2028.
Why Taylor Jenkins was fired by the Memphis Grizzlies
According to The Athletic, Taylor Jenkins, the winningest coach in Memphis Grizzlies history, was let go after a turbulent season marked by injuries, locker room tension, and a decline in performance against top teams. Key factors behind his dismissal include:
– A 9-14 playoff record during his tenure
– An 11-20 record against .500+ teams this season
– Recent struggles, losing 13 of the last 22 games
– Diminished front-office support after staff overhaul last summer
Jenkins had begun reintroducing plays that suited Ja Morant’s strengths, including pick-and-roll actions, but the team’s offensive shift toward a motion-based system had already caused friction.
Ja Morant’s frustration with the new offense
Morant, who has only played 43 games this season due to injuries, has been vocal about his dissatisfaction with the Memphis Grizzlies’ new offensive scheme. Key concerns include:
– The system reduces his ball-handling opportunities
– Fewer screens, limiting his playmaking ability
– Preference for transition play over half-court sets
Morant’s relationship with the coaching staff was also strained after the departure of assistant Blake Ahearn, a key mentor, last summer. Despite publicly supporting Jenkins, Morant’s frustration with the system has been evident.
Morant’s recent performance and trade speculation
| Stat | Value |
| Games played (2024-25) | 43 |
| PPG | 24.8 |
| APG | 7.1 |
| FG% | 46.3% |
| 3P% | 32.5% |
Despite Zach Kleiman’s strong denial of trade rumors in February, league executives have questioned Morant’s market value due to:
– Injury concerns (hamstring, shoulder)
– Past off-court suspensions
– Fit with the new offensive system
Will Ja Morant leave the Memphis Grizzlies?
With assistant Tuomas Iisalo taking over as interim coach, the Memphis Grizzlies are sticking with their motion offense, which emphasizes fast breaks and cutting. While Morant excels in transition, his discomfort in half-court sets remains a problem. While it’s unclear whether Morant intends to leave the Grizzlies, these factors could lead to a potential shake-up.
Key questions moving forward:
– Will Iisalo adjust the offense to better utilize Morant’s strengths?
– Can Morant stay healthy and regain his All-Star form?
– Will front-office decisions push Morant to seek a trade?
Also read: NBA Rumors: Potential replacements for Taylor Jenkins as Memphis Grizzlies head coach; who is the best fit?
For now, Ja Morant remains under contract until 2028, but the Jenkins firing has added uncertainty to his future in Memphis. If the Grizzlies fail to adapt to their franchise player’s style, the whispers about a potential split will only grow louder.
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