At the most unexpected time, came the shock waves that no one expected. The league was stunned. The fans were as clueless as the news of the Memphis Grizzlies’ head coach, Taylor Jenkins, getting fired broke out. While there are several speculations as to why the Grizzlies decided to part ways with Jenkins, their declining form might have been a major factor. Memphis has struggled over the past two months, dropping 13 of their last 22 games after boasting a 35-16 record that saw them as the 2nd seed in a stacked Western Conference. Lately, the Grizzlies have been looking like a shadow of their past. So, what went wrong with the Ja Morant side?

Well, the recent dip in their performances is hugely related to their superstar Ja Morant missing several games due to injury. The Grizzlies’ point guard has missed 30 games this season due to injury, including the last six. While Morant has struggled with a shoulder problem for most of the season, his recent absence is a result of a hamstring injury. Well, without the 25-year-old, the Grizzlies are 2-4 in the last six games and now are the 5th seed in the West, just beneath the Lakers. And guess who they face next amid all this drama? Yes, Memphis is up against a Lakers team eyeing their position on the table. So is their main man playing?

Furthermore, this will be the first game for Memphis without their HC, Taylor Jenkins, calling the shots. Hosting Los Angeles with so much going on will be an uphill battle for Memphis. However, they’ve received some positive news at last, that too! Regarding Ja Morant. Yes, the Grizzlies’ point guard has finally been upgraded to questionable. Memphis has made this announcement at a very crucial time for the franchise, with the team going head-to-head against the Lakers on Saturday. This is great news for Memphis! They are struggling and need Morant back to give them some much-needed energy on the court.

Additionally, Ja Morant has thrived against LA. How? Well, he averages 25.2 points, 6.9 assists, and 4.9 rebounds against the Lakers. So, having him back in the lineup would be a massive boost for Memphis as they hope to get back on track. Not only that! A win against LA will put them in a commanding position to get the prestigious home-court advantage in the first round of the playoffs. However, can they get the better of the Lakers after the shock they just faced a few hours back? Even Ja Morant was surprised by the news and had just two words when he found out: “Oh S***.” Well, the Grizzlies star isn’t the only one in shock, as the firing of Jenkins has the entire league scratching their heads.

The NBA world is still reeling after the surprising firing of Memphis’ Taylor Jenkins

When the Grizzlies announced on Friday that they are cutting ties with long-time head coach Taylor Jenkins, the reactions throughout the league were pretty consistent. Well, disbelief upon hearing the news is expected, given that Jenkins was the winningest coach in the franchise’s history, boasting an impressive .539 record. The team’s superstar, Ja Morant, had no idea of this move, let alone the rest of the league. Moreover, other coaches found this news pretty hard to believe, just as the rest of us did.

Phoenix Suns’ head coach Mike Budenholzer could not wrap his head around this surprising news. The 55-year-old Suns HC, under whom Jenkins honed his skills in Atlanta and Milwaukee, defended Jenkins. “I’m shocked!” Budenholzer said. “His record speaks for itself. The player development, the way they compete—it’s a reflection of Taylor. You could put his five or six-year run up against any NBA franchise.” Well, Jenkins’s former mentor does have a point. The Grizzlies, despite their recent struggles, have been doing well. Moreover, it’s the timing! A team firing their head coach just before the playoffs doesn’t add up.

However, Mike Budenholzer was not the only coach; Knicks HC Tom Thibodeau shared the thought. Thibodeau called the move “unfortunate” and made it crystal clear that Jenkins has “established himself as a great coach in this league.” No doubt! Jenkins has established himself as a good coach, amassing a 250-214 record since he took the job in 2019-2020. Despite that, he finds himself without a job before the postseason. Nonetheless, from the reactions of coaches, players, and media alike, it seems it won’t be long before we see Taylor Jenkins in a new role. On the other hand, it remains to be seen how things work out in Memphis.