Taylor Jenkins & Ja Morant Development: The Story No One Talks About

Ja Morant became a superstar, but behind that leap was a coach who built the system, held things together, and still doesn’t get the respect he deserves.

Let’s be real: Ja Morant didn’t just step into the NBA and instantly become the fearless, high-flying, franchise player we see today. Yeah, the talent was always there — the explosiveness, the confidence, the edge. But talent without structure? That usually burns out fast. What helped Ja turn raw potential into leadership, winning, and stardom was something fans barely talk about: the system Taylor Jenkins created.

Jenkins isn’t loud. He doesn’t chase the spotlight or make headlines with wild quotes. But from day one, he built a framework in Memphis that allowed Ja to grow into that spotlight without getting swallowed by it. He gave Ja freedom to be himself on the court, to play fast, take risks, and make mistakes — but with just enough structure to learn and lead. It’s not flashy, but it’s smart, and it worked.

What gets me is how little credit Jenkins gets when people break down “how Ja Morant improved.” They talk about the highlights, the swagger, the stats — but not the coach who helped refine Ja’s decision-making, sharpen his reads, and turn him into a true floor general. Jenkins is behind all of that. He’s been building Ja’s leadership, not just his game.

And it’s not just Ja. Jenkins has been developing young talent all over this roster. Desmond Bane wasn’t supposed to be this good. Jaren Jackson Jr. didn’t become a Defensive Player of the Year by accident. It’s part of a culture Jenkins established — one that emphasizes growth, toughness, and accountability. That kind of “Taylor Jenkins player development” impact should be front-page stuff. But because he’s not doing backflips on the sideline or going viral, it gets ignored.

Let’s not forget how much chaos this guy has had to manage. The injuries. The Ja suspension. The nonstop media attention. Most teams would’ve collapsed. But Jenkins kept the locker room together and the team focused, even with a young core under constant pressure. That’s not easy — especially when half the league’s watching and waiting for you to fail.

The “Grizzlies coach impact” on this era can’t be overstated. Jenkins built the foundation for Ja Morant to become the guy. He didn’t force Ja to fit into some outdated point guard mold — he adapted the system to Ja’s strengths, which is something great coaches do. But he never let it turn into a circus. He kept the culture tight and the team grinding, even when the headlines got ugly.

It’s honestly kind of maddening how little recognition he gets. If Taylor Jenkins were coaching in LA or New York, this would be a whole narrative. We’d be hearing about his genius on every sports talk show. But because he’s in Memphis, doing the hard work quietly, he gets overlooked. Again.

So yeah, I’m frustrated. Because if we’re going to talk about Ja Morant’s rise, we need to talk about the guy who helped him get there. Taylor Jenkins deserves way more credit than he gets. Period.

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