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Is Taylor Jenkins the greatest coach in Memphis Grizzlies history?
Nov 17, 2024; Memphis, Tennessee, USA; Memphis Grizzlies head coach Taylor Jenkins reacts toward Memphis Grizzlies guard Desmond Bane (22) during a time out during the first half against the Denver Nuggets at FedExForum. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-Imagn Images|Petre Thomas/Petre Thomas-Imagn Images
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.
The Sixers are no longer just bad, they’re cornered
Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid (21) looks on against the Miami Heat during the third quarter at Kaseya Center|Photo by Sam Navarro-Imagn Images
Look, I held off as long as I could, told myself it was only an awkward start. I looked to silver linings, to the tendency that things going wrong for this long tend to right themselves. I looked to the surrounding conditions for clues and when none revealed themselves, I decided to stay positive but now, it’s time: time to talk about the Philadelphia 76ers.
Beyond what Sixers fans know intimately and don’t need reiterated (things are bad), the mood around the franchise is starting to feel closer to cornered than merely frustrated. Last night, after a third quarter collapse against the Heat in Miami, the Sixers held a postgame meeting that lasted over an hour. The game already had a bizarre feel to it, Philly led by 19 before being down 20, and Joel Embiid went from being listed as doubtful to starting. No one on the Sixers roster looked especially comfortable, a trend that’s emerged throughout the team’s first full month of regular season play.
Slipping now to the bottom of the Eastern Conference, with a record of 2-11 I still feel the need to double check as I write this, one thing has become abundantly clear — the Sixers don’t have room to hedge.
There’s no scapegoat to pin the team’s shoddy performance on, not this early in the season. Even when healthy, and Embiid, George and Maxey are on the floor together, it’s been for naught. Both the teams wins came in arduous overtime, one without George and both without Embiid. The Sixers win against the Hornets was missing Maxey completely.
Here’s a problem I’ve wondered about since Daryl Morey landed George in what was declared an undisputed win for the franchise and the best move of the offseason — what about Philadelphia’s role players? To clear the books for cap space enough to sign George, Daryl Morey liquidated the team’s working roster — 13 of the team’s 15 man squad became free agents. Tobias Harrias and Nicolas Batum may not be spring chickens in NBA terms, but they provided the mechanical support the Sixers are now woefully lacking. This isn’t the Sixers only problem, that much has been made clear, but it’s a big one.
Katie Heindl is a credentialed NBA and WNBA writer, her bylines have appeared with The New York Times Magazine, SLAM, The Athletic, Yahoo Sports, Dime, Rolling Stone, among others. She writes the bestselling Substack, Basketball Feelings and is working on a book of the same name.
Home and Away
Analysis Exploring the Grizzlies’ long-term options for the small forward position reveals intriguing possibilities. Who will step up and claim this crucial spot? (Beale Street Bears)
Biz Former NBA stars Vince Carter and Tracy McGrady are looking to buy a minority stake in the NFL’s Buffalo Bills (CityTV)
Must Read Knicks forward OG Anunoby says he’s tired of being known for his defensive prowess. (The Athletic, subscription required)
3peat (ICYMI)
Don’t let these episodes pass you by — stay locked in with the latest Locked On Grizzlies podcasts.
Memphis Grizzlies find a way to win against weakened Nuggets A Desmond Bane double-double helped lead a Memphis Grizzlies victory over the Denver Nuggets that was more about defense than anything else. Host Joe Mullinax breaks it all down, plus discusses a Ja Morant injury update and Taylor Jenkins’ polarizing season so far, on this episode of Locked on Grizzlies!
Jaren Jackson Jr. leads Memphis in NBA Cup opener against Steph Curry’s Warriors The continued growth and development of Jaren Jackson Jr. is a bright spot in an uneven start to the season for the Grizzlies. Will his impressive play continue tonight on ESPN as Memphis starts their NBA Cup journey against Stephen Curry and the Golden State Warriors? Host Joe Mullinax talks about that and much more on this episode of Locked on Grizzlies!
Memphis Grizzlies fall apart late in road loss to LeBron James, Lakers The Memphis Grizzlies battled and fought closely despite being undermanned in a 128-123 loss against the Lakers. In this episode, host Damichael Cole breaks down the good, bad, Zach Edey’s performance and key Taylor Jenkins decisions.
