How far can Taylor Jenkins guide the Memphis Grizzlies in the playoffs?

Taylor Jenkins led Memphis Grizzlies to historic 2021-22 season

In just three seasons, Jenkins has shown his pedigree in establishing a San Antonio-like culture of playing winning and unselfish basketball. That culture has shown through no matter which player he has plugged into each role.

Jenkins has taken the second-youngest team in the league and not only tempered egos, but inspired a buy-in that has been drastically underestimated up to this point.

A lot of credit, rightfully, has to go to the front office for getting the right guys, but it does take a coach to put them in the right positions to win games. This year, the Memphis Grizzlies tied the franchise record for regular-season wins and there were plenty of obstacles to overcome.

One main obstacle was Jenkins not having his full starting lineup for the vast majority of the season.

According to Cleaning The Glass, the starting lineup only played 232 total possessions together throughout the whole regular season.

A team does not tie a franchise record overcoming the obstacles they did unless they have an amazing game plan night in and night out. It also takes an amazing culture of unselfish guys who have bought in and are ready to go when their number is called.

In today’s NBA, which includes massive player empowerment, egos, trade demands, and sitting out of games, Taylor Jenkins has seemingly kept all fifteen players on the roster happy. That is unheard of.

His game plans and culture have shown through to earn the second-best record in the league. Considering all the obstacles Jenkins has faced and the success he has shown, Jenkins’ critics don’t have much of a leg to stand on if they say he’s not a great coach.

But to be great and to gain belief in him and his coaching ability, he has to perform in the playoffs.