Memphis Grizzlies general manager Zach Kleiman was named NBA Executive of the Year for the 2021-22 season, the NBA announced. Kleiman, 33, has overseen team’s operation in the last 3 years becoming the youngest recipient to receive the award.
The Grizzlies finished the regular season with the second best record in the Western Conference behind the Phoenix Suns. Kleiman ran away with the award receiving 85 total points.
Cleveland Cavaliers president Koby Altman and Chicago Bulls vice president Arturas Karnisovas tied for 27 points. This season, Memphis finished with a franchise record 56 wins.
Grizzlies guard Ja Morant was named a starter for the 2022 NBA All-Star Game and the winner of the 2021-22 Kia NBA Most Improved Player Award. Head coach Taylor Jenkins finished in second place in the voting for the 2021-22 NBA Coach of the Year Award.
Kleiman has been part of the Grizzlies front office since 2015. He was promoted to general manager prior to the start of the 2018-19 season. Once he became the GM Kleiman made an impact, trading away franchise centerpieces Marc Gasol and Mike Conley.
Kleiman selected Morant with the second overall pick in the 2019 NBA Draft and hired Jenkins to his first NBA head coaching position. He started building the core that led the team to success this season around Morant.
Kleiman acquired forward Brandon Clarke and guards Tyus Jones and De’Anthony Melton the same year. Then, he drafted forward Desmond Bane with the 30th pick in the 2022 NBA Draft.
The Grizzlies also signed guard-forward Dillon Brooks and forward-center Jaren Jackson Jr. to multiyear contract extensions in February 2020 and October 2021, respectively. This moves were followed by a trade that brought Steven Adams to Grind City last offseason.
NBA team basketball executives have selected Memphis Grizzlies Executive Vice President of Basketball Operations and General Manager Zach Kleiman as the winner of the 2021-22 NBA Basketball Executive of the Year Award, the NBA announced today. More ➡️ https://t.co/XbxgH6RXZ2 pic.twitter.com/innXghwI5m — NBA Communications (@NBAPR) May 12, 2022
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