Grizzlies coach Jenkins, Adams put in protocolson January 8, 2022 at 8:15 pm

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The Memphis Grizzlies placed coach Taylor Jenkins in the NBA’s health and safety protocols Saturday, according to the team.

Nearly half the league’s head coaches have now entered the protocols at some point this season, with Jenkins becoming the 14th.

The Grizzlies play at the LA Clippers on Saturday afternoon, with Memphis assistant Brad Jones serving as the team’s interim coach.

Memphis also placed center Steven Adams in the health and safety protocols. Adams had been the only Grizzlies player to appear in the team’s first 40 games this season and entered the day as one of only 17 players around the NBA to not miss a game in the 2021-22 campaign.

Ja Morant also was ruled out of Saturday’s game with a thigh injury.

“Yes, we have to plan when we find out that so-and-so’s got COVID or so-and-so’s got an injury,” Jones said. “Who’s the next man up, blah blah blah. … It’s a challenging time, obviously.”

Jenkins’ addition comes one day after Dallas Mavericks coach Jason Kidd entered the protocols. Kidd tested positive for COVID-19 on Thursday night.

Jenkins was fully involved in Saturday’s game plan, Jones said, noting they spoke several times that morning alone.

“Hopefully, other than a different-looking, uglier guy, older guy on the sidelines, you guys won’t notice any difference with what’s going on out there,” Jones said.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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