Following the dismissal of coach Taylor Jenkins, Memphis Grizzlies GM Zach Kleiman briefly explained the rationale behind the decision, focusing on the timing.
Kleiman stated that he concluded the change was necessary for the team`s best interests, highlighting urgency as a key team principle. He made these comments to reporters after the Grizzlies` Saturday shootaround, as reported by Matt Infield of Action News 5.
After acknowledging Jenkins`s six years with the Grizzlies, Kleiman answered questions for under three minutes, repeatedly emphasizing that the coaching change was made to benefit the team.
The Grizzlies currently hold a 44-29 record with the fourth-best point differential in the league. However, they have experienced recent struggles, losing four of their last five games and 13 of their previous 22. Their record against teams with winning records is 11-20, and they`ve lost their last nine matchups against such teams. According to Cleaning The Glass, their record is 6-15 against teams in the top 10 for point differential.
When asked about the potential for salvaging the season with interim coach Tuomas Lisalo, Kleiman emphasized his overall responsibility for the team`s operations, including coaching and roster decisions. He expressed enthusiasm about the team`s potential moving forward, reiterating that the coaching change was deemed necessary for the team`s progress.
Regarding the reasons for the firing, Kleiman offered limited detail, simply stating he had thoroughly considered the situation and determined the change was in the team`s best long-term interests.
Kleiman clarified that players were not consulted before his decision, asserting it was solely his own. In response to a question about reports of Ja Morant`s dissatisfaction with the offense influencing the firing, Kleiman denied any connection, reiterating that the decision was his alone.
Acknowledging the limited time remaining in the regular season, Kleiman noted that Lisalo would not be able to implement significant changes to the Grizzlies` playing style.
Kleiman stated he is eager to see Lisalo`s impact on the team, setting realistic expectations given the time constraints. He emphasized the need for clear direction moving forward and expressed hope for positive execution.
The Grizzlies` plans for a coaching search remain unclear. Kleiman avoided directly answering questions about whether Lisalo`s interim period would serve as an audition or what qualities the team would seek in their next coach. He stated the immediate focus was on their upcoming game against the Los Angeles Lakers on Saturday.
Memphis`s focus on the Lakers game is crucial as both teams are currently tied in the Western Conference standings, and the Lakers have won two of their three previous encounters this season. Despite the game`s importance, it is separate from the Grizzlies` justification for dismissing their most successful coach in franchise history.
