Following a season marred by injuries, a rational person would conclude that the Memphis Grizzlies deserve a mulligan for the 2024-25 campaign, at least as far as management is concerned. While that is obviously true to some degree, their head coach may be in a precarious spot.
Taylor Jenkins joins the New Orleans Pelicans' Willie Green and Chauncey Billups of the Portland Trail Blazers as three individuals who could be sitting on the hot seat entering next season, according to The Athletic's John Hollinger.
Based on this report, one has to reason that the same would have been true if Memphis did not lose Ja Morant, Desmond Bane, Marcus Smart and others to lengthy injury stints. When healthy, this squad has Western Conference Finals-caliber talent. Therefore, Jenkins will be expected to insert Memphis into that conversation.
Depending on circumstance, however, he might be afforded some leeway from a front office that appears to feel optimistic about the current trajectory of the franchise.
“Regarding the Grizzlies as a whole, this is an organization that still believes they are in contention in the Western Conference when at full strength, Brett Siegel of ClutchPoints reported. “The Grizzlies' struggles this past year are concerning, but Memphis and GM Zach Kleiman, according to league sources, maintain full confidence in Taylor Jenkins' abilities to lead this organization.”
Will that sentiment be true if the team falls in the first or second round of the NBA Playoffs again? Neither Taylor Jenkins nor Grizzlies fans want to know the answer to that question.
How Taylor Jenkins, Grizzlies can bounce back in 2024-25
Memphis' 27-55 record and supposed “lost year” is a blessing in disguise, as the team now owns the No. 9 overall pick in the 2024 NBA Draft. Kleiman has intriguing options at his disposal, which could include selecting another potential building block to pair with Morant, Bane and Jaren Jackson Jr. or trading for an already viable piece who fits the Grizzlies' competitive timetable.
In what is considered one of the worst draft classes in modern history, finding even a future starter at No. 9 could be a tall order. Memphis might be more compelled to make an offer for an established scoring wing like Brandon Ingram. Whatever scenario the organization decides to choose, this asset theoretically provides it with a golden opportunity to improve.
Adding a potential diamond in the rough or an All-Star-type of talent to a roster that already consists of a dynamic backcourt, two former Defensive Player of the Year winners and rookie standout GG Jackson II should prevent Jenkins' rear from getting too warm next year.
Much depends on how the offseason unfolds, but fans are gleaming with hope and positivity. Their head coach has guided Memphis through a transition era that could have been far more grueling and now leads a squad that arguably possess a higher ceiling than any other team in franchise history.
Now, ownership wants the historic results that are supposed to follow such high expectations. While it remains to be seen if the clock is ticking on Taylor Jenkins, next season will be a critical one for him and the Grizzlies.
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