The Memphis Grizzlies surprised the NBA world with the decision to fire head coach Taylor Jenkins a couple of weeks away from the 2025 playoffs. Memphis sits fifth in the Western Conference standings (44-29), with real chances to climb to the second position. 

Huấn luyện viên trưởng của Grizzlies Lửa Taylor Jenkins trong động thái gây sốc khi Memphis giữ hạt giống thứ năm trong hội nghị | Tin Mới

A lot was said about this move, with some suggesting the team’s star, Ja Morant, had something to do with the decision. Amid rumors and speculation about Morant’s involvement in the decision to part ways with Jenkins, the team’s general manager Zach Kleiman chimed in.

He had a short response, owning up the decision to fire Jenkins.

Memphis Grizzlies head coach Taylor Jenkins watches his team play against the Chicago Bulls.

Taylor Jenkins was fired as the Memphis Grizzlies’ head coach.

Jamie Sabau/Getty Images

“No,” he said, per ESPN reporter Dave McMenamin. “This decision is mine and mine only.”

According to The Athletic’s Sam Amick, Fred Katz and Joe Vardon, Morant “complained” about the new offensive scheme since it took the ball out of his hands and erased the screens that favor his playstyle.

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Morant’s minutes and points per game decreased since the last time he played over 40 games (2022-23), going from 25.1 points, 5.6 rebounds and 8.1 assists to 22.3 points, 4.1 rebounds and 7.4 assists per outing.

He played 31.9 minutes per game that season, 35.3 in 2023-24 and only 30.0 this campaign.

The Grizzlies will host the Los Angeles Lakers tonight, with Morant upgraded to questionable to clash against LeBron James and Co. Both teams are in the race for the No. 2 seed and tonight’s game could be crucial for their postseason aspirations.

This was a risky move, but the general manager seemed confident about it.

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