NBA Coaches Defend Memphis After LeBron's Controversial Comments

Tuomas Iisalo and Darko Rajakovic push back on LeBron James' remarks about the city and the Grizzlies.

Apr. 4, 2026 at 9:55am

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LeBron James sparked controversy with his recent comments suggesting the Memphis Grizzlies should relocate to Nashville, but two NBA head coaches quickly stepped in to defend the city. Memphis coach Tuomas Iisalo and Toronto Raptors coach Darko Rajakovic, who previously worked for the Grizzlies, both praised Memphis and made it clear the city is the right place for the franchise.

Why it matters

LeBron's comments were seen as disrespectful to the city of Memphis and its basketball team. The swift responses from Iisalo and Rajakovic show that the league and its coaches value Memphis as an NBA market and recognize the city's strong connection to the Grizzlies.

The details

In his remarks, LeBron said he would not have wanted to play in Memphis earlier in his career and suggested the team should relocate to Nashville. Iisalo, the Grizzlies' head coach, strongly pushed back, sharing his own positive experience with the organization and the city. Rajakovic, now leading the Toronto Raptors, also defended Memphis, saying he loves the people, food, and every time he visits the city.

  • LeBron James made the controversial comments about Memphis and the Grizzlies on April 3, 2026.

The players

LeBron James

A 19-time NBA All-Star and four-time champion who currently plays for the Los Angeles Lakers.

Tuomas Iisalo

The head coach of the Memphis Grizzlies, who has been with the organization for less than two years.

Darko Rajakovic

The head coach of the Toronto Raptors, who previously worked within the Memphis Grizzlies organization.

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What they’re saying

“I can say from my own perspective that I have the complete opposite — 180-degree perspective on that. The Memphis where we have arrived less than two years ago has been very warm. Very welcoming.”

— Tuomas Iisalo, Memphis Grizzlies Head Coach

“Don't care what the rest of the world thinks. I love the people of Memphis. I love the food, I love every single time I come over here.”

— Darko Rajakovic, Toronto Raptors Head Coach

The takeaway

This incident highlights the strong connection between the Memphis Grizzlies and the city of Memphis, which is valued by the team's coaches and the broader NBA community. Despite LeBron's controversial remarks, the swift defense of Memphis by Iisalo and Rajakovic shows the city remains an integral part of the league's landscape.