The Grizzlies decided to make Tuomas Iisalo the full-time coach after last season despite not doing a full coaching search. Given the fact the team is rebuilding, Iisalo will be given the chance to develop the young talent on this roster. However, given the movement expected in this summer's coaching carousel, Iisalo faces his biggest test as the head coach of the Grizzlies.
Tuomas Iisalo dealt with one of the worst injury situations in the entire NBA, which makes his first season a little bit more difficult to judge. Unfortunately, the rotations and in-game decision-making raise legitimate questions about if he is the right coach for the Grizzlies long-term. On the flip side, it can also be argued that he's had legitimate success developing players such as GG Jackson II and Javon Small.
With teams such as the Pelicans looking for a new coach and some playoff teams having coaches on the hot seat (ex., Orlando), this should be a pretty hectic coaching cycle this summer. Given the fact the Grizzlies did not do a full search last summer, it is fair to wonder if they are making the same mistake this offseason.
Are the Grizzlies making a mistake not being in this coaching cycle?
Arguably the biggest name of the entire coaching cycle has already been hired, none other than former Grizzlies coach Taylor Jenkins. The New Orleans Pelicans are starting to look at other various candidates such as Rajon Rondo, Steve Hetzel, and Sean Sweeney. While injuries are a valid reason why the Grizzlies struggled, there are still significant questions about Iisalo's game management skills.
Even though Tuomas Iisalo had plenty of success in Europe, the Grizzlies definitely took a risk with elevating him to the full-time job with just one season of assistant coaching in Memphis and 14 total games as the interim coach. Despite Iisalo being dealt a tough hand, he did not show the early signs of being a safe bet for the Grizzlies long-term.
Iisalo has a golden opportunity to prove himself
It is very easy to understand why Grizzlies fans are pessimistic heading into this offseason. It is difficult to go from one of the most promising teams in the league in 2022 to having to rebuild in 2026. Given how stacked the 2026 NBA Draft is and the fact the Grizzlies have Zach Edey, Cedric Coward, and GG Jackson II, it is time for Tuomas Iisalo to take the team to another level.
Obviously, most of the work should be centered around roster construction. But when looking at elite organizations like the San Antonio Spurs, Boston Celtics, and Oklahoma City Thunder, player development is essential for improving within the margins. Tuomas Iisalo's Memphis stint will largely be decided by how much he elevates the young talent of the roster.
Depending on how next season plays out, we will learn if the Grizzlies were right to stick with Tuomas Iisalo or if they should've been involved in this year's coaching carousel.
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