Taylor Jenkins, the Head Coach of the Memphis Grizzlies since 2019, enters tonight’s NBA Cup game on the precipice of history. He is currently tied with former Grizzlies coach Lionel Hollins at 214 career victories in Memphis - a victory tonight will give Jenkins sole possession of the proverbial coaching wins mountain top.
Whether it happens tonight or another night soon, Jenkins soon will be the winning-est coach ever in Memphis. But will that make him the “greatest”?
Depends on how you define “greatest”.
Hubie Brown helped teach a young Grizzlies team finding its footing in Memphis how to win. Dave Joerger took the Grit and Grind Grizzlies and built upon their highest peak of the Western Conference Finals that was established by Lionel Hollins.
Hollins, perhaps, has the largest claim to the top spot in franchise history. The very best season finish. The start of the most successful era for Memphis. But moreso than Brown and Joerger, Hollins helped build a culture. One that went beyond him. That permeated the roster and extended to the entire organization.
That’s a real level of success that separates Hollins from most other Grizzlies coaches. That doesn’t mean he didn’t have flaws - if you think Taylor Jenkins has issues at times playing rookies, you must not remember Lionel’s rotations. But no coach is perfect. And in a variety of ways, Hollins was perfect for Memphis.
The same can be said of Jenkins and this iteration of the Grizzlies. He has committed to developing relationships not just with the team’s stars, but their roster overall. He has shown empathy during some of the toughest times not just for the team, but for the country. He’s earned trust through his actions, not just his words.
He has consistently, even in the absence of made threes and efficient half court offense, boasted one of the league’s best defenses. He’s developed numerous players beyond what many felt their means would be. From John Konchar to Jaylen Wells and everyone inbetween, numerous 2nd round and undrafted roster members owe part of their Grizzlies success to Jenkins and his staff.
Now Jenkins has had some postseason failures, and has yet to go on the type of run that his roster’s talent dictates regardless of experience level. His rotations can give you pause - especially lately, when numerous games there have been starting lineups that look more like 2nd units.
But despite recent coaching changes on his staff and overall roster uncertainty due to injury and other issues, the constant has been Jenkins. Back in 2019 the team was coming off of two less-than-desirable seasons. In his run with Memphis the team has risen to great heights, and fallen back to reality.
For the Grizzlies to return to their peak - and go beyond it - Taylor Jenkins will need to play a major role. Thankfully, he’s done a lot of winning already in Memphis.
Hopefully that includes tonight - when Jenkins perhaps takes his place as the franchise’s winning-est coach.
And then this spring, when he can lead the Grizzlies where they’ve never gone in his leadership. Maybe then we will all call him the greatest.
