Tuomas Iisalo has his place in NBA lore after the Memphis Grizzlies made him the primary Finland-born head coach in league historical past.
Common supervisor Zach Kleiman confirmed the everlasting appointment after Iisalo guided the Grizzlies by way of the ultimate stretch of the season following Taylor Jenkins’ dismissal.
Regardless of being swept by the Oklahoma Metropolis Thunder within the first spherical of the playoffs, Iisalo demonstrated management qualities that satisfied the entrance workplace he deserved the place.
“The Memphis Grizzlies are hiring Tuomas Iisalo because the franchise’s subsequent head coach, per Shams Charania.” Yahoo Sports activities wrote on X.
BREAKING: The Memphis Grizzlies are hiring Tuomas Iisalo because the franchise’s subsequent head coach, per @ShamsCharania.
Iisalo changed Taylor Jenkins as interim in late March and is now the primary Finnish-born head coach in NBA historical past. pic.twitter.com/BBCDXb9qtY
— Yahoo Sports activities (@YahooSports) Could 2, 2025
Iisalo joined the Grizzlies as lead assistant earlier than the season, bringing his tactical acumen from a profitable European teaching profession.
His offensive schemes made a right away affect, incomes respect from gamers each as an assistant and after taking up.
His teaching journey started in Finland with Tapiolan Honka earlier than constructing a formidable resume in Germany.
From 2016 to 2021, he led Crailsheim Merlins earlier than taking cost at Telekom Baskets Bonn, setting new benchmarks at each organizations.
His most up-to-date European success got here with Paris Basketball, the place he guided the membership to its inaugural EuroLeague look, incomes EuroCup Coach of the Yr alongside the best way.
With a whole offseason forward, Iisalo has the chance to totally implement his system after what proved to be a difficult season for the Grizzlies.
NEXT: Analyst Believes Grizzlies Are ‘Achieved’
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