Morant, Jenkins finalists for NBA awards

The Memphis Grizzlies got good and not-so-good news when the NBA released its finalist for NBA Awards.

Taylor Jenkins is one of the three candidates for coach of the year, and Ja Morant made the most improved player list. Grizzlies teammates and coaches have also campaigned for Desmond Bane as a most improved player candidate, and for Jaren Jackson Jr. as defensive player of the year. Bane and Jackson were not named finalists in those respective categories.

The thing about the most improved candidacy for Morant is that he has lobbied for Bane to win the award. The other two finalists for most improved player were Cleveland Cavaliers guard Darius Garland and San Antonio Spurs guard Dejounte Murray. All three finalists made the NBA All-star game.

Jackson led the NBA in blocks and was one of the biggest reasons why the Grizzlies’ defense turned its season around after a slow start.

He set the Grizzlies single-season record for blocks and had seven rejections in Game 1 of a first-round playoff series Saturday against the Minnesota Timberwolves.

Boston Celtics guard Marcus Smart, Phoenix Suns forward Mikal Bridges and Utah Jazz center Rudy Gobert were the finalists.

Morant is the favorite to win most improved, according to Vegas Insider. The betting site has Jenkins with the thirdbest odds behind Suns coach Monty Williams and the Miami Heat’s Erik Spoelstra.

TNT will announce the winner of each award during its coverage of the NBA lapyoffs.

Contact Damichael Cole at damichael.cole@commercialappeal.com and on Twitter @damichaelc

PETRE THOMAS/USA TODAY SPORTS Memphis Grizzlies head coach Taylor Jenkins (left) and guard Ja Morant watch first-half action against the New York Knicks at Fedexforum.