Tuomas Iisalo first filled in four months ago while Taylor Jenkins missed a Memphis Grizzlies game against the Los Angeles Lakers. Iisalo is filling in again for Jenkins and coaching against the Lakers, but this time, Jenkins won't return.
The Grizzlies fired Taylor Jenkins on Friday and named Iisalo the new interim coach for the remainder of the season.
Iisalo is in his first season with the Grizzlies after having a dominant run in the EuroLeague. Saturday technically won't be his coaching debut for the Grizzlies, but some things have changed since four months ago.
"Well, I know the rules a lot better," Iisalo jokingly said. "They're obviously a lot different from FIBA."
The Finnish coach said he was surprised at the Jenkins decision, but he quickly shifted gears. Not only does he know the rules better now, but he has a better understanding of players tendencies and what he wants to emphasize for the remainder of the season.
Offensive focus
Iisalo was brought to Memphis in part for his ability to crank out some of the EuroLeague's best offenses. While he had an input on the Grizzlies' offense, his areas of focus were pace, offensive rebounding and pick-and-roll.
Memphis notably increased its pick-and-roll usage over the course of the season, and that was something Iisalo wants to continue. Through pick-and-roll and other concepts, featuring key players more will be emphasized.
Iisalso pointed out that the Grizzlies are sixth in net rating on offense, which is a key statistic for him.
"The situation we're in, one of the biggest constraints for us is time," Iisalo said. "There's nine games left so there will not be any overhaul, nor is there any need to do that."
Message to team
After being notified of his new role, Iisalo reached out to players. His main message was to block out the outside noise.
"There will be other talking points hopefully in a few days, and let's do what we do best, which is our own job," Iisalo said.
No time to waste
Not only do the Grizzlies have just nine games remaining, but there isn't much room for practices. Memphis has two back-to-backs left this season. The team typically rests the day after a playing two consecutive games.
The Grizzlies had a 45-minute shootaround before playing the Lakers. Film sessions and other mental components of the game that don't require much wear-and-tear will be critical.
"No big changes are coming," Iisalo said. "We're more looking at little tune-ups in certain situations."
Damichael Cole is the Memphis Grizzlies beat writer for The Commercial ...
