NBA Rumors: Ja Morant ‘Dislikes’ Grizzlies’ Offense Under New HC Tuomas Iisalo

Following the Memphis Grizzlies’ unexpected decision to part ways with head coach Taylor Jenkins, speculation has arisen around the future of star Ja Morant. Numerous reports now question Morant’s place with the Grizzlies, but the latest from The Athletic sheds light on the new offensive system and assistant coaches this season.

According to sources within the league cited by The Athletic, Morant’s dissatisfaction began after the Grizzlies let go of assistant coach Blake Ahearn, who had been particularly close to Morant. Additionally, Morant became frustrated with the new offensive system that “takes the ball out of his hands.”

“League sources indicate that Morant was upset when the team parted ways with Ahearn, an assistant coach who had worked with the two-time All-Star more than anyone else on the staff,” The Athletic reported. “This season, Morant worked mainly with LaRoche, a former trainer turned first-year NBA assistant, who, along with Iisalo, played a key role in implementing the new offensive scheme.”

“Morant spent his entire career under Jenkins and supported the coach until the end, a league source mentioned. However, Morant was not a fan of the new offensive style,” The Athletic added. “Despite playing just 43 games this season, due to a hamstring injury and right shoulder soreness, Morant has expressed dissatisfaction with the new system, which reduces his involvement by taking the ball out of his hands and eliminating the screens he prefers as a ball handler to create plays.”

Why Ja Morant “Dislikes” the Grizzlies’ Offense Under Tuomas Iisalo

Grizzlies, Former HC Taylor Jenkins Fired

The firing of Jenkins caught many, including fellow head coaches, by surprise, and Morant, who had supported the 40-year-old, was no exception. Under interim head coach Tuomas Iisalo, the new offensive system persists, and according to a source quoted by The Athletic, “He hates the offense.”

“A league source who recently saw Morant practice with the Grizzlies remarked, ‘Some days he looks like he’s ready to play, and some days he seems disengaged … because he hates the offense,’” The Athletic reported.

“Jenkins had begun reintroducing plays that suited Morant, such as pick-and-rolls and other plays involving screens that Morant could use to create space,” The Athletic continued. “If this upset GM Kleiman and contributed to Jenkins’ firing, it’s understandable, but LaRoche, who was responsible for removing ball screens, is also gone now.”

Despite the internal conflicts following Jenkins’ dismissal, Memphis remains 44-29, sitting fifth in the Western Conference as they prepare for a game against the Los Angeles Lakers on Saturday.