The Memphis Grizzlies’ decision to part ways with Taylor Jenkins sent shockwaves through the NBA, raising questions about the team’s direction. Did the Memphis Grizzlies commit a huge mistake, or was it the need of the hour? Taylor Jenkins had been with the team for 6 seasons, leading them to back-to-back 50+ win seasons and securing No. 2 seeds in the Western Conference in 2021-22 and 2022-23. On paper, that resume doesn’t scream fireable offense. However, a former Los Angeles Lakers star has a unique take on this based on his past observation of Blake Griffin.

During his appearance on Run It Back, Johnathan Williams, with his NBA playing experience, gives firsthand insight into team dynamics, stated there are situations when things like these just can’t wait. And to emphasize his take, he pointed out the fact that the Grizzlies have been 8-11 after the All-Star break. “Then you lose four out of five [last matchups] and you know, if you lose that, if you lose that locker room, why wait…,” he said.

Sure, Jenkins had to navigate injuries and other setbacks, but at the end of the day, Williams suggested that a team simply can’t afford to sit on its hands when things start slipping away. That brings up the big question: Why was Jenkins the one to take the fall? Well, Williams believes timing is everything in the NBA:

“If you have an owner, if you have a GM that feels like the time is right now, you got to go ahead and cut the cord…” he said before dropping an interesting comparison. “I always reference back to the Blake Griffin trade in Los Angeles. We were in a great run and it just got to the point where it didn’t matter how well we were playing, it was time for them to part ways.”

If you remember, Griffin was the face of the now $5.5 Billion franchise Clippers, playing at an elite level when he was suddenly shipped off to Detroit in 2018. The Clippers weren’t necessarily in a bad spot, but the front office saw an opportunity to reset, shed a massive contract, and prepare for the future. Sound familiar? The Grizzlies, despite their 44-30 record this season, may have found themselves at a similar crossroads with Jenkins.

Now, Williams made it clear—he wasn’t here to judge Jenkins as a coach. “I can’t speak to what kind of head coach he was. I can’t speak to what was going on in Memphis,” he admitted. But he didn’t hold back on what likely sealed Jenkins’ fate. “Usually when these type of things happen, that means you’ve lost the locker room. And like they said, urgency is a core principle in Memphis, so why wait? And, you know, he was the casualty of that.”

While Johnathan Williams’ analysis focused on the parallels to the Clippers’ strategic trade, a different narrative began to emerge, one that placed Ja Morant at the center of the Grizzlies’ decision. The whispers and reports surrounding Morant’s alleged influence added a layer of complexity to the Jenkins’ firing, raising questions about the power dynamics within the team and the organization’s commitment to their star player.

The drama around Ja Morant’s alleged involvement in Taylor Jenkins’ firing

The Grizzlies’ decision to fire Taylor Jenkins took many by surprise, but could Ja Morant have played a role in it? NBA insider Tim MacMahon recently shared some insight, and his take suggests this move had everything to do with the franchise reaffirming its commitment to Morant.

“There has been noise about Ja being unhappy all season long,” MacMahon said, pointing out that Memphis found ways to win without him. The team needed to be sustainable, but instead, the front office made a move that sent a different message. “Basically, this is a ‘Hey Ja, you’re still our guy. Everything we do is going to be based on what’s best for you, what optimizes you.’ They got away from that for a lot of the season and they are leaning hard back into it.”

Now, this does align with a report from Sam Amick, who noted Morant had issues with Jenkins, particularly on offense. But if you ask Morant, he was just as shocked as anyone. Calling the situation “tough,” he reflected on Jenkins’ role in his journey. “I’ve had Coach Taylor since I got here. Everything I’ve done in a Grizzlies jersey has pretty much been under him.”

However, there is more to this story. Coming forward in Morant’s defense was TNT’s Taylor Rooks. Setting the record straight, he stated Morant had nothing to do with the decision. According to him, the firing was about the team’s second-half struggles, defensive lapses, and a brutal nine-game losing streak against winning teams. “I can confirm that Ja Morant did not ask for this move to be made,” Rooks reported.

So, while theories swirl, one thing is clear—the Grizzlies made their choice, and it’s a move that speaks volumes about where their priorities lie.