With just two weeks remaining in the NBA regular season, two head coaching positions are currently vacant.
The Memphis Grizzlies recently dismissed Taylor Jenkins, a move that mirrored the Sacramento Kings` earlier surprising decision to fire Mike Brown in December amidst a losing streak.
The question now is whether more coaching changes will occur in the coming weeks. Last season saw seven teams switch coaches, including playoff teams like the Cleveland Cavaliers, Los Angeles Lakers, and Phoenix Suns.
Here`s an updated analysis of the NBA coaching landscape, examining the advantages and disadvantages of each open position and potential candidates to fill these roles.
Memphis Grizzlies
-
2024-25 Record: 44-31 (5th in Western Conference)
-
Previous Coach: Taylor Jenkins (fired March 28; interim coach is Tuomas Iisalo)
-
Lead Executive: Zach Kleiman (hired in 2019)
Positive Aspect: Young and Promising Core
Despite dealing with injuries throughout the season, the Grizzlies remain a top team in the Western Conference with a strong net rating, placing them among the league`s best.
With key players like Ja Morant, Desmond Bane, and Jaren Jackson Jr., Memphis possesses a core entering its prime, setting the stage for sustained competitiveness. General Manager Kleiman has demonstrated an ability to find valuable players in later draft rounds, enhancing the team`s depth around its stars.
According to an NBA executive, the Grizzlies have the potential to mirror the Cleveland Cavaliers` trajectory from last season, suggesting a significant improvement is possible with the right coaching hire.
Negative Aspects: Small Market and Recent Instability
Memphis is not a major NBA market, and the team has experienced internal friction and uncertainty recently.
Last summer, the Grizzlies replaced almost the entire coaching staff under Jenkins, bringing in new personnel. Following Jenkins` dismissal, another coach, LaRoche, was also let go.
Adding to the challenges, the team has navigated off-court issues with Ja Morant. However, the Grizzlies have effectively managed Morant`s absences thanks to their depth and Jenkins` coaching.
Potential Coaching Candidates
Despite his interim status, Tuomas Iisalo is expected to be a strong candidate for the permanent position. The Grizzlies brought him from Europe and placed him on Jenkins` staff, giving him an opportunity to prove himself. If Iisalo isn`t selected, Memphis` next steps are less clear.
Sacramento Kings
-
2024-25 Record: 36-39 (10th in Western Conference)
-
Previous Coach: Mike Brown (fired in December; interim coach is Doug Christie)
-
Lead Executive: Monte McNair (hired in 2020)
Positive Aspect: Experienced, Win-Ready Roster
While a championship might be a stretch, the Kings` roster, featuring players like Domantas Sabonis, DeMar DeRozan, Zach LaVine, Keegan Murray, and Malik Monk, offers the potential to be competitive every game. This level of talent makes the Sacramento job appealing compared to other vacancies.
With many of these players under contract for multiple seasons, there is a window for sustained team growth, further enhancing the job`s attractiveness for coaching candidates.
Negative Aspects: Small Market and Long History of Instability
The Kings` history in Sacramento reveals significant challenges. Since relocating in 1984, only two coaches have achieved a full season with a winning record: Rick Adelman and Mike Brown recently. The team`s playoff appearances outside of Adelman`s era have been minimal, highlighting the difficulty of this coaching position.
The departure of assistant general manager Wes Wilcox also suggests potential front office instability. Additionally, the owner`s reluctance to spend into the luxury tax is another constraint.
Potential Coaching Candidates
Doug Christie, with his deep ties to the Kings from his playing days, is a strong internal candidate. He has performed well as interim coach since replacing Brown. While Christie is a contender, the Kings` owner has a history of hiring high-profile coaches, suggesting they might pursue a bigger name this summer.
