With just two weeks remaining in the NBA regular season, two head coaching positions are currently vacant.
The Memphis Grizzlies recently dismissed Taylor Jenkins, their long-tenured coach. This decision came almost three months after a similar surprise firing in Sacramento, where the Kings parted ways with Mike Brown in December amidst a series of losses.
It remains to be seen if more coaching changes will occur in the coming weeks. Last season saw seven teams switch coaches, including three – the Cleveland Cavaliers, Los Angeles Lakers, and Phoenix Suns – who made changes even after reaching the playoffs.
Here`s an updated look at the NBA coaching landscape, examining the advantages and disadvantages of each open position and potential candidates to fill them:
Memphis Grizzlies
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2024-25 Record: 44-31 (5th in the West)
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Previous Coach: Taylor Jenkins (fired March 28th; interim coach Tuomas Iisalo)
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Lead Executive: Zach Kleiman (since 2019)
Positive Aspect: Young and Promising Core
Despite dealing with injuries throughout the season, the Grizzlies remain among the top teams in the Western Conference standings. They also boast one of the league`s best net ratings, only surpassed by a few top teams.
With key players like Ja Morant, Desmond Bane, and Jaren Jackson Jr., Memphis has a young core entering their peak years. This gives the Grizzlies a strong foundation for future contention. General Manager Kleiman has demonstrated an ability to find valuable players in later draft rounds and undrafted free agency, building a deep and versatile roster around their star players.
One NBA executive suggested that if everything clicks, this Grizzlies team could mirror the Cleveland Cavaliers` improvement after a coaching change. This potential for significant improvement is what Kleiman and the Grizzlies organization hope to achieve.
Negative Aspects: Smaller Market and Recent Instability
Memphis is not considered a major NBA market. The team has also experienced some internal friction and uncertainty recently.
Last summer, the Grizzlies replaced almost the entire coaching staff under Jenkins, bringing in new assistants. Following Jenkins` dismissal, another assistant coach was also let go.
Adding to the challenges, the roster has faced numerous injuries and off-court issues involving Ja Morant. However, the team`s depth and Jenkins` coaching had previously helped mitigate Morant`s absences.
Potential Coaching Candidates
Although currently serving as interim coach, Tuomas Iisalo is expected to be a strong candidate for the permanent position. The Grizzlies hired him from Europe in the previous offseason and placed him on Jenkins` staff. He will have an opportunity to prove himself during the playoffs. If Iisalo is not chosen, Memphis` next direction becomes less clear.
Sacramento Kings
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2024-25 Record: 36-39 (10th in the West)
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Previous Coach: Mike Brown (fired in December; interim coach Doug Christie)
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Lead Executive: Monte McNair (since 2020)
Positive Aspect: Experienced, Ready-to-Win Roster
While winning an NBA title this season might be a stretch for Sacramento, a coach taking over a team with players like Domantas Sabonis, DeMar DeRozan, Zach LaVine, Keegan Murray, and Malik Monk has a strong chance to be competitive every game. This level of talent makes the Kings` job appealing compared to other open coaching positions.
With these key players under contract for at least a couple more seasons, there`s time for them to develop chemistry, further increasing the job`s attractiveness for potential coaches.
Negative Aspects: Small Market, History of Instability
Sacramento`s NBA history reveals a pattern of instability. Since the team moved to Sacramento in 1984, only two coaches have achieved a full season with a winning record: Rick Adelman, who had an impressive eight-year streak, and Mike Brown in the past two seasons. The Kings have only reached the playoffs in three of the seasons not coached by Adelman, highlighting the challenges of this job.
The recent departure of assistant general manager Wes Wilcox also suggests potential further instability within the organization. Another drawback is the ownership`s reluctance to spend into the luxury tax, a known preference of owner Vivek Ranadive.
Potential Coaching Candidates
Doug Christie has deep ties to the Kings organization, dating back to his playing days on the successful teams of the early 2000s. He has performed well as interim coach since taking over from Brown. Christie is likely to be considered for the permanent role. However, owner Ranadive has a history of hiring high-profile coaches, so there is a possibility he will pursue a bigger name this summer.
