The Memphis Grizzlies’ interim coach in the final days of the regular season, Tuomas Iisalo, was named the team’s full-time coach on Friday, making him the first coach in NBA history to be born in Finland.
Although the hire was confirmed by the team on Friday, Iisalo’s contract details were not made public. This past season, he became the Grizzlies’ lead assistant.
Following the Grizzlies’ return home from a 0–5 road trip, with the most recent defeat occurring against Oklahoma City, Iisalo assumed leadership of the team on March 28. Taylor Jenkins, the most successful coach in the Grizzlies’ history, was fired as a result of the road trip.
“I am completely confident that Tuomas will continue to lead the Memphis Grizzlies as head coach,” stated Grizzlies president Zach Kleiman in a statement. Teams from Tuomas at all levels have continuously surpassed expectations because they are disciplined, persistent, and cohesive on both ends of the court. In Memphis, we anticipate the same thing.
In the last nine games of the regular season, Iisalo, a native of Finland, finished 4-5. Memphis earned the eighth seed in the play-in tournament after splitting two games against Oklahoma City, whom they lost all four games to.
But late in the season, Iisalo found himself in a difficult situation with little time to adjust his timetable. He supervised just a couple of the team’s practices.
Following the team’s elimination, he stated, “I tried to do my best in those 15 games and two practices.”
He went on to say, “That’s a ratio that makes it very difficult,” in reference to the hectic pace of the season. We were in a position where there were no significant adjustments that were either required or feasible.
Iisalo coached Paris Basketball for one season and won the EuroCup before joining the Grizzlies. He was named EuroCup Coach of the Year for the achievement. He played for several German teams, notably the Crailsheim Merlins for five seasons, in addition to his season with Paris Basketball.
Iisalo was a professional basketball player in Finland for 14 seasons.
After this season concluded, a number of Grizzlies, including star Ja Morant, appeared to support Iisalo’s short-term leadership.
During the team’s exit interviews, Morant stated, “I think Tuomas is a good coach.” “I find that when I go into my film sessions with him and we just chat about basketball, I hear and see that he sees the same thing that I see on the floor.
“It has been really exciting, but I wouldn’t say it has been surprising.”
Iisalo talked about how he would manage the squad with the city and organization in mind during his postseason departure interview.
Iisalso asserted that “each club and city has its own culture.” “I believe it is crucial that you be loyal to that city’s heritage.
“The people in this city work really hard. That’s where the club got its start. Giving your all must be the foundation of it. That’s what I’ve always thought.
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