On paper, the Memphis Grizzlies have met and perhaps even exceeded the expectations placed on them thus far this season, finding themselves firmly in the mix of the Western Conference playoff picture. But on Friday, the organization shockingly decided to make a drastic change that will shift the future of the organization.
Taylor Jenkins has had his fair share of ups and downs as the head coach of the Grizzlies, with multiple 50-win seasons under his belt, but also numerous years where the organization has missed out on the postseason.
Last season, the organization missed out on the postseason with a disappointing 27-55 record. But in the eyes of most, this was largely due to the absence of star point guard Ja Morant instead of being something that Jenkins did wrong.
This year, Jenkins has the Grizzlies in position to compete for an NBA Championship once again, sitting in a tie for the fourth seed in the Western Conference with a 44-29 record on the season.
However, the Grizzlies surprised everyone by opting to go in a different direction near the end of the season, parting ways with Taylor Jenkins, according to ESPN’s Shams Charania.
If the decision was based on the team’s performance this season, it is certainly a bit bizarre considering the Grizzlies have had quite a solid season thus far.
Assuming the Grizzlies don’t collapse down the stretch of the season, the team will now be going into the postseason without a head coach who has been there all season long.
Perhaps there will be more information on the Grizzlies’ decision and whether there are any other factors at play. But at least initially, this move isn’t one that makes all that much sense unless the organization truly feels like they are going nowhere with Jenkins.