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[Saba Sports News] As Ja Morant’s Memphis Grizzlies regroup from a first-round sweep at the hands of Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s dominant Oklahoma City Thunder, Executive Vice President Zach Kleiman enters a crucial offseason.
His task: elevate the franchise from fringe playoff presence to legitimate title contender. With a young foundation built around Morant and Jaren Jackson Jr., the challenge ahead is clear—aim higher. Parting ways with head coach Taylor Jenkins was just the beginning. A major summer overhaul now looms, one that could define the futures of Morant, Jackson, and Kleiman himself.
Fans should brace for change. Kleiman, the NBA’s youngest-ever Executive of the Year, has made his name through bold decisions—trading franchise cornerstone Mike Conley Jr., drafting Morant and Jackson Jr., and constructing a 56-win team.
But following repeated early playoff exits, along with injuries and suspensions, the roster’s shortcomings have become undeniable.
“I don’t think we can look back at this series and this season and say, ‘Oh, we’re close,’” Kleiman admitted. “No, we’re not close. There’s a lot of work to be done.”
Addressing that reality goes far beyond choosing whether to retain interim coach Tuomas Iisalo. While Kleiman has yet to commit to Iisalo, a full coaching search is underway. Iisalo, who earned a late-season promotion, gained some credibility for keeping the locker room engaged through the sweep. Elevating Zach Edey’s role also added to his résumé in his brief NBA debut.
Despite ranking second in scoring during the regular season, Memphis struggled mightily against top competition—finishing 2-12 against Western Conference teams that reached the Play-In or higher, playoffs included. Jenkins and Iisalo both share responsibility for that collapse.
The Morant-Jackson duo—featuring a two-time All-Star and the 2023 Defensive Player of the Year—remains strong enough to anchor a top-six seed, but a third All-Star and a veteran coach may be essential to truly challenge the Thunder and the West’s elite. Expect a major shake-up before the NBA Draft Lottery, no matter where the ping pong balls fall.