The Memphis Grizzlies got off to a flying start in the 2024-25 campaign, but it all seemed to fall apart midway through the season. Memphis won 20 of their first 30 games, and by Feb. 5, they had improved to 35-16 and held a firm grip on the second position in the West. That, however, is when things started to go downhill for the Grizzlies.
A disappointing run in February and March saw the Grizzlies slide down the standings. Between Feb. 8 and March 5, they won just three of their 11 games, and the team had a 1-7 record to close out the month of March.
The decision to fire Taylor Jenkins in March, who had won 250 regular-season games with the organization, only seemed to cause more confusion and chaos. On Saturday, the Grizzlies’ season officially ended after the team was swept by the Oklahoma City Thunder in a lopsided first-round playoff series.
There is plenty of talent on this Memphis roster, with All-Star caliber players like Ja Morant, Desmond Bane, and Jaren Jackson Jr. leading the way. Add to that a long list of rising stars like Zach Edey, Scotty Pippen Jr., Jaylen Wells, and GG Jackson, and this lineup certainly has the potential to make a deep playoff run.
3 Offseason Moves the Grizzlies Need to Make to Be Contenders in 2026
Get Bane and Jackson Jr. Some Help on the Defensive End
Since breaking into the league in 2020, Desmond Bane has gradually established himself as one of the league’s elite defenders. The 6-foot-5, 215-pound guard is defensively sound and capable of covering multiple positions.
Jackson Jr. has also proved that he is one of the best interior defenders in the league. His 2023 Defensive Player of the Year award paired with two NBA All-Defensive First Team selections are proof that his contributions on the defensive end are notable.
Despite having two of the league’s top defenders on the roster, Memphis was leaking points to opponents. The Grizzlies gave up 116.9 points per game over the regular season. In Game 1 of the playoffs, the Thunder racked up 131 points against them.
If the Grizzlies have any chance of breaking into the top tier in an ultra-competitive Western Conference, they will need to be better on the defensive end.
Bring in an Established Coach
The decision to part ways with head coach Taylor Jenkins with just nine games remaining in the season was baffling to many experts. Jenkins had a .539 win-loss percentage over six seasons with the franchise and led them to the playoffs in four of those seasons.
Toumas Iisalo took over as the team’s interim head coach to close out the season, and the 42-year-old has thrown his hat in the ring for the full-time position. Following the Grizzlies’ Game 4 loss to the Thunder, Iisalo was asked if he could return as the permanent coach and had the following response:
“Yes, why not?”
Iisalo finished with a 4-5 record and failed to win a playoff game. Memphis may look to jump back into the market to bring in an experienced coach who has a proven record in the postseason. Mike Budenholzer, Darvin Ham, and Michael Malone could be interesting fits for the organization.
Extend Jaren Jackson Jr. to a Long–Term Contract
Jackson was outstanding over the 2024-25 season, especially when Morant was missing from the lineup. The former Michigan State star just completed his seventh year with the Grizzlies and was a key figure in the team’s successful start to the season. He led the team in blocks per game (1.5), ranked second in points (22.2), and fourth in rebounds.
Jackson is contracted to the Grizzlies through the 2025-26 season, and the organization should move swiftly to sign him to a long-term deal.
