“This is a group that we believe in, and we understand what we’ve done 2 years prior,” Taylor Jenkins proudly said on the Grizzlies Media Day. The transition of the team under Jenkins has been stunning, but they haven’t done well in playoffs. In such a scenario, the Memphis side has decided to make improvements in their attack, with half-court offense and 3-Ps being a priority. The Grizzlies also intend to place major emphasis on player development. Last December, they ranked 22nd in offensive rebounding after being Top 5 in the previous 4 seasons. The front office has helped Jenkins by revamping his support staff with a few promotions, too.

“The goal is the goal, which is to win a championship,” Grizzlies GM, Zach Kleiman said. “I believe in this group. I believe in the fit of the pieces that we have around that group.” Last season, the Memphis side struggled with terrible injury luck and managed just 27 wins. Ja Morant, Jaren Jackson Jr., and Desmond Bane — their big 3 will be available going into next season. The whole team feels this is going to be their championship season. Let’s see what kind of changes Memphis did to kick-start the title run!

2 promotions and 4 new recruits on the Memphis Grizzlies coaching panel

Except for Patrick St. Andrews and Anthony Carter, Taylor Jenkins’s staff of 2023-24 has been revamped. Both were hired last season. The former was brought in to help Memphis and fix it’s half-court offense. Carter, on the other hand, was highly praised by GG Jackson, who felt it was the best year shooting 3-pointers in his hoops career. It’s safe to say that Jenkins has been getting a lot of help from his assistants. There are a lot of expectations from the 6 new Grizzlies assistant coaches.

Jason March and Erik Schmidt are promoted from their previous roles. March used to coach their G League side, Memphis Hustle, while Schmidt, who will be involved in player development, was the team’s video coordinator in the past. Taylor Jenkins talked about Jason March, and said, “He’s going to be on the tactical group as well, handling both offense and defense.”

Memphis also added Joe Boylan, Toumas Lisalo, Noah LaRoche, and Patrick Mutombo to the staff. Boylan, previously part of the Milwaukee Bucks coaching staff, will also focus on player development for the Jenkins-led side, as he used to do from 2015 to 2018 for Grizzlies. “Joe Boylan is going to be a great addition,” the head coach said. “He’s got a great analytical background as well.”

Toumas Lisalo will serve the role of lead assistant coach. “He’s going to help us with our offense,” Jenkins said. “I think he’s got a brilliant mind on that side of the floor.” Lisalo recently finished his tenure as the head coach of Paris Basketball in Europe. He was the one who showcased one of the best offenses in Europe by going through a different practice concept.

The Finnish coach said, “In practices, very intense effort is required for a certain amount of time. Then, you rest, and then you do it again, and rest, and do it again. I know when we first started doing it last year in this extreme way, the players were somewhat surprised by this.” The European side’s 62.8% two-point shooting rate was unmatched in the EuroCup. Paris Basketball also led the EuroCup this season with 26.7 two-pointers made per game and a league-low 10.8 turnovers.

Noah LaRoche will be the Head of player development. Taylor Jenkins has insisted a lot on this area of the game. Jenkins stated, “His vision for the individual and collective, adaptability of our players and how they’re playing in sync together, I’m really excited to unleash his leadership there.”

It’s the first time LaRoche’s going to work with the NBA team. He’s worked with several NBA players through his training and consulting company – Integrity Hoops. He is highly regarded for his player development technique with NBA stars like Russell Westbrook, Georges Niang, and Duncan Robinson.

And finally, Patrick Mutombo (not related to Dikembe Mutombo) will be on the tactical side. He’ll emphasize on basketball strategy, scouting, practice design, and working with players in small groups.

Why Taylor Jenkins is so well-versed in his meticulous approach?

When Taylor Jenkins became the new coach of the Memphis Grizzlies, he was the NBA’s second-youngest coach, behind only Ryan Saunders of the Wolves. Two strengths, which are always mentioned by people who’ve worked with Jenkins, are his ability to build relationships and his organizational skills.

“His organizational skills are off the charts. I don’t know that there’s anybody on Wall Street, or in the judicial system, or in the medical world that I would compare him to,” Mike Budenholzer said, who took Jenkins under his wing in San Antonio.

Taylor Jenkins’ presence has been very crucial. Most players he coached have spoken in favor of him, praising his tactics and that he loves to motivate his players. Grizzlies Jaren Jackson Jr. said, “He’s a player’s coach. Kinda gives you that confidence in practice to shoot the ball, let it fly. When you have a coach that gives everybody that confidence… You should shoot the ball.”

Taylor Jenkins is the major key to the Grizzlies to unleash their full potential for success. After almost making the Playoffs in the 2020 Bubble, the team went as far as the Western Conference Semi Finals in 2022. His involvement has improved the side consistently. All his players support him with all the confidence, that’s the biggest advantage for any coach and team, to perform exceedingly well.

What’s your view on this drastic change of coaching staff in the Memphis Grizzlies? Share your thoughts in comments box below!

Before you go, remember to check out this crossover between BG12 and Georgia Bulldogs star Silas Demary Jr.