Grizzlies GM: Jenkins' dismissal was in 'best interest' of team

Memphis Grizzlies general manager Zach Kleiman justified the firing of former head coach Taylor Jenkins, saying the decision was made with the team in mind.

"I came to the conclusion that this is in the best interest of the team and urgency is a core principle of ours, so I decided to go on with the move," Kleiman said, according to ESPN's Dave McMenamin.

Kleiman also said that no players were consulted on Jenkins' firing, per McMenamin.

"This decision is mine and mine only."

The Grizzlies parted ways with Jenkins on Friday and elevated assistant Tuomas Iisalo to interim head coach.

"We're looking forward to what he's able to do with this group," Kleiman said, according to The Athletic's Will Guillory. "There's realistic expectations. There's not going to be time to install a bunch of things this time of year. My expectations are clarity of direction and we'll see what we can do. We'll see what we can execute."

The Grizzlies have struggled to beat teams over .500, going 11-20 against them this season. Memphis has languished since the All-Star break, posting an 8-11 record and ranking 19th in defensive rating. The team's recent struggles were the main reason Jenkins was fired, league sources told The Athletic's Sam Amick, Fred Katz, and Joe Vardon.

Memphis ranks fifth in the Western Conference with a 44-29 record. The Grizzlies can overtake the Los Angeles Lakers for fourth place with a victory against them later on Saturday.