A day after firing coach Taylor Jenkins, Memphis Grizzlies general manager Zach Kleiman addressed the most pressing question about the decision – why now? – in brief remarks.

Kleiman stated: “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,” during a media session. After thanking Jenkins for his contributions over six years with the franchise, he quickly concluded his session, focusing on his responsibility for this critical decision.

Despite the Grizzlies’ strong record of 44-29 and the fourth-best point differential in the league, they have lost four of their last five games. This uncertain performance prompted the swift change despite the team’s playoff positioning. Kleiman also stated the coaching change’s implications and the responsibility for the team’s performance rests with him, highlighting an upcoming game against the Los Angeles Lakers as a key focus.

Kleiman’s clarity about urgency reflects the Grizzlies’ ambitions heading into the final stretch of the season, even amid uncertainties regarding future coaching directions.