The Grizzlies decided to fire former head coach Taylor Jenkins with just nine games left in the 2024/25 NBA regular season. Many people outside of Memphis were stunned, but the Grizzlies needed a new voice. Tuomas Iisalo, known for his success in Europe, took over as the interim coach and was named the full-time head coach in Memphis without a full head-coaching search.
This summer, the Grizzlies launched a roster retool by trading Desmond Bane to the Orlando Magic. A key goal was to improve the balance of the roster around Jaren Jackson Jr. and Ja Morant. Cedric Coward has already been a transformational pick for the Grizzlies, but the Grizzlies are currently in an injury crisis, and the rotations to start the season have contributed to some of the early losses.
A key component of Tuomas Iisalo's philosophy is how he carries out his substitution patterns. Iisalo wants to play at a faster pace, and as part of his system, he plays his players in shorter stints. In theory, it makes sense for keeping players fresh and giving opposing teams different lineups to worry about. However, key drawbacks include fewer minutes for the Grizzlies' stars, and substitutions are too rigid, disrupting the rhythm of games.
Tuomas Iisalo must give his best players more minutes
When looking at average minutes throughout the NBA, Ja Morant and Jaren Jackson Jr. are playing significantly fewer minutes than they should. So far, Ja Morant has averaged 30.8 minutes per game, which ranks just the 65th-most in the NBA. Jaren Jackson Jr. is also averaging 28.8 minutes per game, which ranks just the 98th-most in the NBA.
For context, Ja Morant ranks behind players such as Nickeil Alexander-Walker and Immanuel Quickley in average minutes played per game. Jaren Jackson Jr. also ranks behind players such as Jake LaRavia and Jarace Walker in average minutes played. It must be considered that Morant is in a career-worst slump and that Jackson Jr. has had foul trouble, but they must play more to win games.
The rotations have already caused tension within the team, as Ja Morant was critical of the coaching staff after the team's home Halloween loss to the Lakers. Iisalo and his staff must be on the same page with the players, even as guys return from injuries. Ultimately, this season will be defined by Iisalo's ability to get the best out of Jackson Jr. and Morant.
Some of the Grizzlies' struggles are injury-related and due to playing a difficult stretch of the schedule. However, Iisalo must maximize Ja Morant and Jaren Jackson Jr., and that starts with giving them more minutes. The Grizzlies lack momentum and are currently in the middle of a tough four-game road trip. Iisalo must make adjustments to his system before it is too late for him in Memphis.