2023-24 may be a black cloud season for the Memphis Grizzlies from an overall standpoint, but there have still been quite a number of noteworthy moments and positive happenings that have come about throughout the campaign.
The latest feel-good story pertaining to the franchise deals with coach Taylor Jenkins, who, following Monday's triumph over the Brooklyn Nets, claimed his 200 win as headman of the ball club.
Since achieving such an accomplishment, the 39-year-old has provided his thoughts on his newly minted all-time record, and provided a humbling descriptor in a recent interview with Michael Wallace: "It's a blessing."
Memphis Grizzlies coach Taylor Jenkins addresses winning 200 games
"Obviously you don't take this opportunity for granted. I'm very blessed to be the head coach of the Grizzlies and, you know, it's not about me. Everyone's talking about coach getting his 200 win [but] it's for the team. What we've been able to accomplish in five years has been special."Taylor Jenkins
Spoke with @memgrizz coach Taylor Jenkins at practice today coming off his 200th career victory.
— Michael Wallace (@MyMikeCheck) March 6, 2024
As Grizzlies push to the finish line of an extremely difficult season, Jenkins working to make progress.
He and the team deserved a moment to embrace their collective milestone: https://t.co/FYig72IMz5 pic.twitter.com/FynzrfuyYN
Of these 200 wins, more than half came during the 2021-22 and 2022-23 seasons, where he helped guide the Grizzlies to a total of 107 wins over this stretch while also seeing them clinch their only two Southwest Division titles in franchise history along the way.
As things currently stand, Jenkins trails only Lionel Hollins on the list of the most winningest coaches in team history, as he holds 214 victories of his own from throughout his seven seasons serving as both an interim and full-time headman.
With just about 20 games remaining on the regular season schedule, there is still technically time for Jenkins to claim the top spot for himself on the all-time list for the Grizzlies though, with the way things have gone thus far, ratting off 14 more wins during this stretch may be a bit optimistic.
However, come next season, expect this franchise record to be broken early on once the likes of Ja Morant, Desmond Bane, Jaren Jackson Jr., and Marcus Smart are all back to full strength.