As the NBA regular season nears its end with only two weeks remaining, the coaching carousel is already in motion with two head coaching positions currently open.

The Memphis Grizzlies recently parted ways with their long-term coach, Taylor Jenkins, a decision mirroring the Sacramento Kings` earlier surprising dismissal of Mike Brown in December amidst a series of losses.

The question now is whether more teams will join the coaching change trend in the coming weeks. Last year saw seven teams switch coaches, including playoff contenders like the Cleveland Cavaliers, Los Angeles Lakers, and Phoenix Suns, who made changes even after reaching the postseason.

Here`s an updated analysis of the NBA`s coaching landscape, examining the advantages and disadvantages of each open coaching position and speculating on potential candidates to fill these roles.

Memphis Grizzlies

  • 2024-25 Season Record: 44-31 (5th in Western Conference)

  • Previous Coach: Taylor Jenkins (terminated March 28; interim coach Tuomas Iisalo)

  • Lead Executive: Zach Kleiman (since 2019)

Grizzlies team

Pros: Young and Promising Core

Despite facing numerous injuries throughout the season, the Grizzlies have maintained a strong position in the Western Conference standings and boast the league`s fifth-best net rating, only behind top teams like the Oklahoma City Thunder, Cleveland Cavaliers, Boston Celtics, and Houston Rockets.

With key players like Ja Morant, Desmond Bane, and Jaren Jackson Jr., Memphis possesses a young core entering their peak years, suggesting a long-term window for championship contention. General Manager Kleiman has demonstrated skill in identifying talent in later draft rounds and undrafted players, building a deep and versatile roster around their stars.

According to an NBA executive, the Grizzlies` situation is reminiscent of the Cleveland Cavaliers` trajectory before their significant improvement, indicating the potential for a similar leap forward with the right coaching addition.

Cons: Smaller Market and Recent Instability

Memphis is not considered a major NBA market, and the team has experienced internal friction and uncertainty recently.

Last summer, the Grizzlies dismissed almost the entire coaching staff under Jenkins, bringing in new faces like Iisalo and Noah LaRoche. Subsequently, both Jenkins and LaRoche were let go, adding to the sense of upheaval.

Adding to the challenges are off-court issues involving Ja Morant. The team has managed to mitigate Morant`s absences through strong team depth and, until recently, Jenkins` coaching strategies.

Potential Coaching Candidates

Despite his interim status, Tuomas Iisalo is widely expected to be a strong contender for the head coach position. His promotion from within and opportunity to lead the team through the playoffs will be a crucial evaluation period. If Iisalo is not selected, the Grizzlies` next move remains uncertain.

Sacramento Kings

  • 2024-25 Season Record: 36-39 (10th in Western Conference)

  • Previous Coach: Mike Brown (terminated in December; interim coach Doug Christie)

  • Lead Executive: Monte McNair (since 2020)

Pros: Experienced Roster Ready to Compete

While a championship might be a long shot, the Kings possess a roster capable of competing nightly, featuring talents like Domantas Sabonis, DeMar DeRozan, Zach LaVine, Keegan Murray, and Malik Monk. This level of player quality makes the Sacramento job appealing compared to other vacant positions.

With these key players under contract for multiple seasons, there`s a window for sustained team development, further enhancing the job`s attractiveness for coaching prospects.

Cons: Small Market and Long History of Instability

The Sacramento Kings have a history of coaching instability. Since relocating to Sacramento in 1984, only two coaches have achieved a full season with a winning record: Rick Adelman, who had an impressive eight-year streak from 1999 to 2006, and Mike Brown in the recent two seasons. The Kings have only reached the playoffs in three of the 33 seasons not coached by Adelman, highlighting the inherent challenges of this job.

The recent departure of assistant general manager Wes Wilcox may signal further front-office changes and potential destabilization this offseason. Another constraint is ownership`s reluctance to enter the luxury tax, a financial limitation imposed by owner Vivek Ranadive.

Potential Coaching Candidates

Doug Christie, with his deep ties to the Kings organization dating back to his playing days in the early 2000s, is a strong internal candidate. His performance as interim coach has been commendable. While Christie is likely to be considered for the permanent role, owner Ranadive has a history of hiring high-profile coaches, suggesting the possibility of pursuing a bigger name this summer.