Damichael Cole

1 week ago | usatoday.com | Damichael Cole

• Tuomas Iisalo coached the final 15 games of the season after replacing Taylor Jenkins, going 1-5 in the playoffs. • The team's decision to promote from within mirrors its roster-building strategy of prioritizing homegrown talent. The Memphis Grizzlies decided that no search was needed. They didn’t go out looking for a new, flashy, young up-and-coming coach. They didn't covet any of the available coaches this offseason who have championship experience. Because the answer was already in Memphis.

2 weeks ago | commercialappeal.com | Damichael Cole

Memphis Grizzlies general manager Zach Kleiman set the tone for the 2025 offseason on April 27 when he made strong declarations on the status of the team. “We’re not close,” he said. With the realization that a lot needs to be done for Memphis to get back into the upper echelon of title-contending teams, it’s time to get to work. That process is long and it won’t be easy. Tough decisions will need to be made, but that’s the nature of the business.

2 weeks ago | commercialappeal.com | Damichael Cole

Two Memphis Grizzlies players were among the top finishers in the 2024-25 NBA Rookie of the Year voting. Jaylen Wells and Zach Edey both received votes, but San Antonio Spurs guard Stephon Castle won the award, which was announced April 29. Wells joined the starting lineup in place of an injured Marcus Smart and became one of the team's most reliable players. His defense and 3-point shooting led to him and Castle essentially being co-favorites until late February.

2 weeks ago | basketball.realgm.com | Damichael Cole

Memphis Grizzlies front office executive Zach Kleiman held his postseason media availability. Among the topics discussed were things Kleiman could have handled different. One mistake made was declining the team's 2025-26  fourth-year rookie scale team option for forward Jake LaRavia, which ultimately led to LaRavia being traded. "I think we should’ve picked up Jake LaRavia’s team option," Kleiman said. "The mistake was there.

2 weeks ago | basketball.realgm.com | Damichael Cole

The Memphis Grizzlies face significant organizational decisions this offseason following their first-round playoff sweep by the Oklahoma City Thunder and the pre-playoff dismissal of head coach Taylor Jenkins. Zach Kleiman, the team's Executive Vice President of Basketball Operations, delivered a candid assessment of the team's status, emphasizing that despite winning 48 games, the organization has fallen short of expectations and requires substantial changes.