Although many NBA fans expected the Memphis Grizzlies to part ways with head coach Taylor Jenkins, most did not think he'd get fired just weeks before the upcoming playoffs.
The impact of the firing will definitely affect the Grizzlies and their postseason plans, but could it also change the Sacramento Kings as well?
Taylor Jenkins could replace Doug Christie as the next head coach of the Kings
Interim head coach Doug Christie has done an admirable job since being thrust into his new position months ago. He has helped the Kings carry a 23-19 record since the firing of Mike Brown, and it seems that he has brought harmony to the locker room.
The fans are fond of Christie for the most part, and, based on most reports, the players like him too. But missing the postseason could squander all goodwill that Christie has built, and Jenkins would be a suitable choice to replace him.
The thing that would be most attractive to the Kings' front office is Jenkins' history. He helped transform the Grizzlies from a small-market team with a lot of potential but not much success into a playoff presence. Yes, the Grizzlies have consistently fallen short during Jenkins' tenure, but no one can deny their stature in the Western Conference has changed with him in the lead.
The Kings obviously want to go all the way to the NBA Finals soon, but they know success comes in phases. Step one would be to become permanent playoff contenders, and they don't seem ready for that right now. But Jenkins could change their direction and push them forward, even if they don't win a championship right away.
Of course, there is a chance they stick with Christie and allow him to keep the job. He has certainly fought hard for the position and has shown promise. But if the Kings fall apart in the first round or miss the playoffs entirely, there will be rumors of him being replaced. And if those rumors pop up, you can bet Jenkins' name will be toward the top of the list.
Competition for him will be fierce. The reaction to his firing proves that other organizations will surely pick up the phone and call Jenkins when they have coaching vacancies. It seems unlikely that he will be out of a job long.
There are many questions about the Kings right now, and big changes could be coming soon. The roster may be tweaked, and the coaching staff and front office could look different too. Sacramento wants to be the kind of team the Grizzlies are, so will they think about hiring the man Memphis just said goodbye to?