Tuesday afternoon (4/7) Memphis Grizzlies Head Coach Taylor Jenkins met with Memphis media via conference call to go over the past month of business while the team waits out a break due to the COVID-19 crisis and the shutdown of regular NBA activities.
None of the Memphis Grizzlies staff or players exhibited symptoms, or tested positive for COVID-19, at the point where the Grizzlies had their team meeting in Portland once they discovered that play had been suspended back in March according to Jenkins.
Jenkins started the call by thanking the first responders, doctors, nurses, and those fighting this pandemic crisis. "It’s an unknown virus. It’s testing our will."
While Jenkins said players like Jaren Jackson are taking the time to explore their passion to make beats and create music, the team has met via Zoom to play trivia games while trying to keep it light hearted and keep the team together virtually. That's the fun part, the rest has been about keeping sharp mentally with basketball preparations. Jenkins said the players are working out individually while trying to find any sort of basketball hoop to play on, even if that means buying one to play on outside an apartment in Memphis in the case of Justise Winslow.
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Jenkins main goal has been keeping up with players via Zoom and meeting with coaches three times per week. Players have some form of communication daily with a staff member while Coach Jenkins and his assistants meet with each player at least once a week during this crisis.
Jenkins added, “20 players on a Zoom meeting can be a bit overwhelming, so we try to (be) more one-on-one.”
Coach Jenkins said the team has been watching film, taking notes on opponents, and brainstorming ideas in preparation for the NBA giving "clearance".
On the season:
Jenkins expressed enthusiasm about what this Grizzlies team has done in year one of his tenure. “I am so happy with the progress our team has made. It’s creating an identity.”
Around the league Jenkins said execs and coaches praise the assists/passing, teamwork, and togetherness of this squad. He stressed togetherness in the locker room and said he's proud of the relationships they’ve built (as a team). "The vets have helped our young guys grow.”
On what he's most proud of, Jenkins identified daily improvement.
On how the season resumes:
Jenkins said, “There’s so many factors. I just keep my focus. We monitor (it). My focus right now is what message are we sending to our players. Whatever structure is thrown our way, I’m just focused on that first practice back.”
Jenkins is unclear on what the league might do when, and if, the season resumes. “We’re all going to have a million ideas on what’s fair,” Jenkins said. “I have the utmost faith in our team. The guys have built up a 3 ½ game lead. They’ve earned that opportunity to be in that playoff hunt.”
On a potential playoff series:
“(We) would love that chance to be able to play in the playoffs.”
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