Memphis Grizzlies GM Zach Kleiman held a quick Q&A Saturday during Grizzlies shootaround to offer a brief description regarding his decision to fire Grizzlies Head Coach Taylor Jenkins.
(video/from X - Avery Braxton - News Channel 3)
Kleiman announced the dismissal of head coach Taylor Jenkins, despite the team's 44-29 record and fifth-place standing in the Western Conference. Kleiman emphasized that the decision was solely his, aiming to serve the team's best interests.
Jenkins, who became the franchise's winningest coach with a 250-214 record over six seasons, was replaced by assistant coach Tuomas Iisalo, marking the first Finnish-born head coach in NBA history. The move comes ahead of a critical matchup against the Los Angeles Lakers on March 29, with the Grizzlies striving to improve their playoff positioning. Kleiman expressed gratitude for Jenkins' contributions but cited recent struggles, including a 1-4 record over the last five games and an 8-11 stretch since the All-Star break, as factors influencing the decision.
Next up: Saturday night (3/29) the Memphis Grizzlies host the Los Angeles Lakers on 92.9 FM ESPN. Pregame begins at 6:30 p.m. Tip at 7:00 p.m. with Eric Hasseltine on the call.
