The Memphis Grizzlies shocked the NBA world when they decided to part ways with head coach Taylor Jenkins just a couple of weeks before the NBA playoffs begin. New reports have revealed the role top star Ja Morant may have played in his dismissal.
Entering their game on Saturday’s NBA schedule against the Los Angeles Lakers, the Grizzlies own a 44-29 record and are just a couple of games out from owning the third best record in a very tough Western Conference. Furthermore, they own one of the best offenses in the league. Yet, that was not good enough for Memphis management.
In a completely unexpected development, the Grizzlies decided to fire head coach Taylor Jenkins an other members of his staff with only nine games left in the season. In-season firings are a rarity in the NBA. But even more so on good teams about to enter the postseason.
The decision has created a huge amount of speculation around the game. Including on what role Ja Morant may have played in the departure of the only coach he has ever had in the NBA. Well, details on that exact question emerged on Friday night.
- Ja Morant stats (2024-25): 22.3 PPG, 4.1 RPG, 7.4 APG, 1.2 SPG, 29% 3PT
Ja Morant hated Memphis Grizzlies new offensive system
In the summer, the Grizzlies replaced most of Jenkins’ staff in the hopes of improving an offense that struggled in the half court during recent years. It seemingly worked. However, The Athletic reported that Ja Morant had a disdain for the new system and was mentally checked out at times.
“Morant played his entire career for Jenkins. And remained supportive of the coach up to the end, a league source said. Morant did not, however, like the new offense,” the outlet revealed. “… When he’s been on the court, according to a league source, Morant has complained about the new scheme. Which takes the ball out of his hands and removes the screens he likes to use as a ball handler to make plays.
“One league source who has seen Morant work out with the Grizzlies recently said, ‘Some days he looks like he’s ready to play, and some days he looks like he doesn’t want to be there … because he hates the offense.’”
The Athletic revealed Jenkins was trying to work some of the stars preferred sets back in to the offense. But after losing 13 of their last 22 and struggling mightily on defense, it didn’t matter and the front office had seen enough after six seasons. In today’s NBA, unhappy superstars usually get their way and play in the systems they want.
Jenkins posted a 250-214 record as head coach of the Memphis Grizzlies. Guiding the team to four playoff appearances.
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