On Facebook
On Flipboard
Three potential HC candidates for Grizzlies
On Friday, the Memphis Grizzlies made the shocking decision to fire head coach Taylor Jenkins. The 40-year-old was in his sixth season with the franchise. Jenkins had overseen 464 regular-season games in Memphis, winning 250 and losing 214.
Assistant coach Tuomas Iisalo has taken control of the Grizzlies on an interim basis. He formerly coached Paris Basketball before making the jump to the NBA.
Nevertheless, Memphis will be on the look out for Jenkins' long-term replacement. Here are three potential options to fill the vacant seat:
Frank Vogel
Vogel is a championship-caliber coach. His last head-coaching gig in the NBA was with the Phoenix Suns last season. He previously won a championship with the Los Angeles Lakers and has a reputation for being one of the better defensive-minded coaches in the NBA.
It's also worth noting that Vogel's replacement in Phoenix, Mike Budenholzer, has struggled for success. As such, the Suns' inconsistencies from last season can't be blamed on Vogel's coaching or approach.
With Jaren Jackson Jr. on the roster, Vogel would have a ready-made defensive lynchpin to build his blueprint around. He would ensure the Grizzlies were one of the best two-way teams in the NBA. Furthermore, he could likely get the best out of Ja Morant.
Vogel has a 480-422 record as a head coach and a 49-43 record in the postseason.
Sam Cassell
Cassell has been patiently waiting for his shot to lead an NBA team. He's currently serving as an associate head coach for the Boston Celtics, working in tandem with Joe Mazzulla.
Despite his inexperience leading a team, Cassell brings championship know-how — both as a player and as an assistant. Cassell would bring a fresh perspective to the Grizzlies and would likely deploy a different brand of basketball than what fans were used to under Jenkins.
However, Memphis may choose to go with a more proven commodity. Still, Cassell will likely be among the list of interviewees as he continues to seek out his big break in the NBA coaching world.
James Borrego
During his four-year tenure with the Charlotte Hornets between 2018 and 2022, Borrego developed a reputation for being one of the most innovative, offensive-minded coaches in the NBA. During the summer of 2024, Borrego was among the front-runners for the Los Angeles Lakers job.
Borrego would likely be a solid hire in terms of getting more out of Morant and Desmond Bane. He would also ensure the Grizzlies were one of the more aesthetically pleasing teams to watch. However, he would likely need a defensive specialist as a lead assistant.
Despite leading a rebuilding and perennially disappointing Hornets team, Borrego still amassed a 44.7% win record. It stands to reason that he could do far better with a talented roster such as the Grizzlies.
Honorable Mention: Mike D'Antoni
D'Antoni would join the Grizzlies for a good time, not a long time. His seven-seconds-or-less play style would turn Memphis into a high-octane two-way machine.
While D'Antoni wouldn't be viewed as a long-term head coach, he could be a solid dice roll for a team that believes it has all the ingredients needed for a championship push. D'Antoni is currently working for the New Orleans Pelicans in an advisory role.
At 73 years old, there's no telling whether D'Antoni would be interested in returning to the pressure-cooker environment of an NBA head-coaching role. Still, he's an interesting curveball to monitor.
More must-reads:
- Grizzlies to tab Tuomas Iisalo as interim HC after firing Taylor Jenkins
- Grizzlies make shocking decision just weeks before playoffs
- The '25-point, 14-rebound, 11-assist NBA triple-doubles' quiz
Breaking News
Trending News
Customize Your Newsletter
+
Get the latest news and rumors, customized to your favorite sports and teams. Emailed daily. Always free!
TODAY'S BEST
Could Warriors actually get LeBron James before he retires?
NBA insider Marc Stein recently shook things up: he said the Golden State Warriors “will remain in the mix” for LeBron James if he ever looks to take his final bow somewhere other than L.A. Stein noted that Golden State showed interest in James during the February 2024 trade deadline and could keep doors open if he decides on a last hurrah with a fresh franchise. With James' contract up after the 2025-26 season and his Lakers role shifting toward Luka Doncic’s era, the possibility is more than just fan talk. But before Warriors fans dream of Curry and James reuniting, there are plenty of obstacles to consider. First, James still has a full no-trade clause. He has never expressed a desire to join Golden State, and there’s no indication he’s asked for a trade before. The Lakers have been positioning wisely — they’d rather keep him than risk losing him for nothing via buyout. That means any move would require James' blessing and likely the Lakers’ approval, too. Second, building a roster to support that dream would be tricky. Pruning contracts to make salary space or offering key role players like Jonathan Kuminga or draft capital would be painful. Golden State doesn’t have enough movable assets to package for James without betting on extended extensions or internal sacrifice — something Stein noted makes the reality of a deal slim. But beyond logistics, there’s the human side. James has deep ties to L.A. — his family is settled, his business ventures are there and unless he wants to reshape his legacy for farewell theater, it’s hard to imagine he’d willingly leave that. Still, Stein also mentioned that the Mavs, Knicks and Warriors all remain possibilities if a buyout or trade ever happens. Let’s say it becomes a thing. Would it make sense? Sure. A James/Curry reunion would instantly vault the Warriors back to championship favorite status — even if both stars are past their prime. The organization still carries enough culture and experience to provide a worthy platform. And James, always the competitor, may want to finish on a different note than simply fading in L.A. Still, realism wins: financial and roster hurdles alone make this a long shot. The Lakers aren’t giving James away, and Golden State would need a significant sacrifice to swing the deal. Plus, the longer it takes, the less athletic its existing roster becomes, making it harder to fit James into a modern, flexible system. In the end, Stein’s report puts a spotlight on something otherwise ignored: the possibility exists. But between logistics, loyalties and salary constraints, the odds feel way too slim to take seriously right now. Fans may hope for one final “Splash Brothers” encore, but the real hard work would be on the ownership and front office to make something that breaks the confines of a farewell fantasy plausible. Sure, the Warriors haven’t closed the door. But unless something major shifts, this feels more like background noise than a legit storyline.
'Very Dangerous:' Yankees’ Trade Addition Makes Feelings Clear After Rays Game
The New York Yankees haven't gotten superstars as Thursday's Trade Deadline approaches, but they did add depth that could change the course of their season. They acquired third baseman Ryan McMahon and Amed Rosario over the past week, the former of whom has already made his presence felt. McMahon recorded hits in his first three games with the team before going 0-for-4 against the Tampa Bay Rays on Tuesday. However, the 30-year-old went 2-for-4 with an RBI against them on Wednesday, including a walkoff single to center in the 11th inning. McMahon opened up about his experience with the team so far postgame, via SNY. "It just feels good to come through for the team," he said. "Everyone matters in this chase, so just happy to come through." "It's a lot of fun being here and being in this clubhouse," he continued. "It's a very dangerous team. I've seen it from afar, playing against them..." New York was down 1-0 from the third inning until the eighth, when Trent Grisham hit a solo homer to right. Giancarlo Stanton followed up with an RBI single, giving the team a 2-1 lead. Closer Devin Williams then blew the save in the ninth inning after allowing two runs, but Anthony Volpe tied the contest in the bottom frame with a solo homer to left. After that, Tampa Bay's Jonathan Aranda hit a sacrifice fly in the top of the 10th before Cody Bellinger hit an RBI triple to center in the bottom frame. New York reliever Tim Hill then threw a scoreless inning in the 11th, and McMahon followed up with his walkoff single. The Yankees have now won three of their last four games.
Oilers GM Stan Bowman offers massive Connor McDavid update
One of the major storylines heading into the 2024–25 season is the uncertainty surrounding Connor McDavid’s future in Edmonton. The 28-year-old superstar is entering the final year of his contract, and while a departure still feels unlikely, the mere possibility of him reaching free agency next offseason has sparked plenty of speculation. But don’t count Oilers general manager Stan Bowman among the concerned. According to a TSN report, Bowman said that extension talks with the team’s franchise player are progressing. Speaking with "Oilers Now with Bob Stauffer" on CHED 880 Edmonton, Bowman said he is “very encouraged” by the initial discussions he’s had with McDavid’s agent, Judd Moldaver. “I’ve had really good conversations with Judd since the season ended, and I’ve tried to give Connor his space, and I think that it’s important,” Bowman said. “You know, a lot of this is respecting the athlete and their timeline. So, we haven’t had any of those types of detailed discussions yet, but we certainly will, and I think we’re very encouraged by all the conversations I’ve had to date. And when the time comes, the time comes.” McDavid, who has one year left on his deal that comes with a $12.5M AAV, became eligible for an extension on July 1. While there is speculation on what McDavid’s next contract would demand annually, it’s fair to assume he’ll seek to at least match teammate Leon Draisaitl’s deal that comes with a $14M AAV over the next five seasons. In 67 games last season, McDavid recorded 26 goals and 100 points, marking the seventh 100-point campaign of his already illustrious career. He added a league-high 33 points in the postseason — the second consecutive year he led all players in playoff scoring — but he and the Oilers were once again defeated by the Florida Panthers in the Stanley Cup Final. Despite the disappointment, along with McDavid’s postseason admission to the media that he was in no rush related to extension talks, Bowman believes an extension with his captain is imminent. “He’s a huge part of everything we do here, and so I don’t have a timeline update, but I do expect to have some conversations with them soon and. And hopefully get that wrapped up,” he said.
Still Shopping: Maple Leafs Linked to 30-Plus Goal Wingers
Rumors linking the Toronto Maple Leafs to Bryan Rust or Rickard Rakell of the Pittsburgh Penguins aren’t going away. This time, it’s Sonny Sachdeva of Sportsnet who has Toronto listed among five potential landing spots for the 30-plus goal wingers — along with Detroit, Colorado, Los Angeles, and Buffalo. The early free-agent frenzy has settled, but the Maple Leafs still find themselves with a lingering void in their top six. After trading Mitch Marner to Vegas earlier this summer, the Leafs have added capable depth pieces like Nic Roy, Dakota Joshua, and Matias Maccelli — but none come close to replacing Marner’s elite production. General manager Brad Treliving has some cap space to work with, and speculation is that he’ll dip into the trade market to round out his roster. Whether that happens this summer or at the deadline remains to be seen, but the Pittsburgh Penguins will enter the conversation as talks heat up. Penguins and Maple Leafs Make Logical Trade Partners In the midst of a rebuild, Pittsburgh has two veteran wingers who could be on the move: Bryan Rust and Rickard Rakell. Both are coming off career-best seasons, despite playing on a struggling Penguins team. Rakell notched 35 goals and 70 points, while Rust posted 31 goals and 65 points — production that would make either a welcome addition in Toronto’s top six. For the Leafs, Rust might be the better stylistic fit. He can play up and down the lineup and fill multiple roles, giving head coach Craig Berube options with John Tavares or Auston Matthews. Treliving has already shown a willingness to make major moves this summer, and with names like Andrew Mangiapane and Jack Roslovic (Mangiapane went to Edmonton and Roslovic remains unsigned) previously linked to Toronto, it’s clear the club is still in the market for another offensive weapon. If the Penguins are ready to part with one of their proven scorers — and the Leafs are open to moving a contract like David Kämpf’s to help balance the books — a mutually beneficial deal may be in reach.
PRIVACY POLICY EDITORIAL POLICY CONTACT US
ABOUT YARDBARKER TERMS OF SERVICE
Use of this website (including any and all parts and
components) constitutes your acceptance of these
Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.
This site is for entertainment purposes only.
There is no gambling offered on this site.
Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-Gambler.
