Good point. If the Grizz freefall to #7, it will amplify the importance of the Rockets finishing #2 vs. #3.
Also possible they could finish #6. I'm less worried about playoff matchups as some of y'all though, I just really don't want to face GSW because I'm sick of getting killed by the same players, and Draymond's dirty sh*t. Whoever we face though, it's good playoff experience. The bigger thing I wonder--is this a sign of massive locker room dysfunction? Are we going to see players requesting trades in the offseason? What does this mean for their offseason plans in general? I would love to acquire JJJ. He would be my #1 trade target aside from true superstar/top 5 players, Ant, and Wemby.
Must be something behind the scenes. Even if he lost control of the players, they usually would let you finish the season. He must of slept with someone or said something stupid that got him fired immediately.
JJJ is only signed for one more year but they would be loathe to trade him unless they are committed to a complete rebuild. The Ja/JJJ/Bane core has been very successful for them except besides last year's crash and burn and both Ja and Bane are locked in for several years.
https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6238723/2025/03/28/memphis-grizzlies-taylor-jenkins-fired/ The dismissal is a surprise given the timing, but multiple league sources expected Memphis to make changes this offseason due to growing discontent between Jenkins and the players, his assistants, and the front office. Speculation that star Ja Morant could be traded grew to the point that Kleinman issued a strong denial of the rumor in February. Jenkins’ unhappiness with the franchise leadership dates to last summer, according to league sources, when he was ordered to dismiss most of his coaching staff following a miserable season for the Grizzlies in which two of their stars — Morant and Desmond Bane — missed a combined 113 games and the team went 27-55. Coming into this season, Jenkins detailed a bold plan for Memphis to play at breakneck speed, hoping to leverage the athleticism of their core — Morant, Bane and Jaren Jackson Jr. But the new offensive scheme – brought over from France by Toumas Iisalo, one of the new assistants – came with its own frustrations. On multiple occasions, Morant was seen arguing with Jenkins on the sidelines about rotations, substitution patterns and offensive play calls.
Jenkins would make a decent coach on any young team trying to make the Playoffs now. I was about to say that. @Jontro
Unless he was embezzling money, that’s an absolutely insane firing right now. That front office sounds extremely toxic.
So basically, he was alienated from both management (who he didn't like) the asssitants (that he didn't wan to hire) and the players (who don't like him) - sounds like a real functional situation.
According to Shams' sources, the Grizzlies thought Jenkins had lost the locker room as evidenced by their very poor record against above .500 teams and a sharp decline in their defensive efficiency in the second half of the season. This is why he was fired. Windy says there was discord with assistants from Europe that established their weird, high paced offense this season that avoided using ball screens because Jenkins had the players revert back to a more tradition PnR office when they struggled post-ASB. The front office sided with the assistants and fired Jenkins. Tim McMahon said everyone around the league knew Taylor Jenkins was on the hot seat this season when the Grizzlies forced him to fire his entire staff and they brought in several non-traditional newcomers not of his choosing.
I watched this video a couple of months ago explaining just how weird the Grizzlies offense was/is compared to traditional NBA offenses. Your nerd level will determine if it's worth it. I highly recommend it.
man, if I got fired like this right before the postseason with my injury-riddled team 5th in the West after the organization did me dirty firing all my assistants, I’m spilling the beans on everybody…nobody’s safe they found the Grizzlies owner exiting an Uber at Diddy’s house…Ja brought a real glock to a paintball event
Morant? Yes he will be available if he doesn't buy into the Frog offense. I have no interest in Morant - none.
I am totally confused now. This now seems like a complete disintegration instead of a surgical removal.
Okay the 30 minute restriction for all players is kind of ridiculous and had no clue he was that rigid. Still awful timing.
The guy cannot stay on the court. I’m sure Dallas will want to team him up with AD. Those 20 games a season together, they will look great.
