Every Grizzlies member found on ESPN's awards predictions (and why they can win)

Taylor Jenkins: Coach of the Year

Rank: No. 7

Despite what some may wish to say following their abysmal 2023-24 season, Taylor Jenkins is, in fact, a tremendous coach in the NBA.

Since taking over the primary sideline position back in 2019-20, the 39-year-old has proven time and time again that, so long as he's not in charge of running a roster that resembles a M.A.S.H unit, he can get the most out of his players.

Throughout his five-year stint holding the clipboard in Grind City, Jenkins has compiled the third-best winning percentage (.527) and amassed the second-most wins of all coaches in franchise history with 206, just nine shy of taking the top spot over for current holder, Lionel Hollins (214).

And while this record will almost certainly be claimed in 2024-25, accomplishing such a feat is far from the main goal the Grizzlies have heading into the year.

This team is looking to climb back up the totem pole in the Western Conference standings and re-claim their status of being one of the league's most exciting teams to watch and toughest matchups for opposing teams to square off against.

Similar to the case for Morant, should the Grizzlies get back into the 50-win category and clinch a playoff berth, with the narrative being that of a rags-to-riches story, the man calling the shots along the way in Jenkins could realistically end up reaping the rewards of his first COY nod, a race he's placed within the top-10 in on three separate occasions and has finished as high as second back in 2022.