The Memphis Grizzlies suffered another blow before the 2023-24 season with the news that center Steven Adams will undergo season-ending knee surgery.
The @memgrizz today provided the following medical update: pic.twitter.com/dQnm8jUp9s
— Grizzlies PR (@GrizzliesPR) October 22, 2023
NBA Rumors: How the Memphis Grizzlies Going To Replace Steven Adams
As the Grizzlies’ statement said, Adam’s procedure will address his right posterior cruciate ligament, as “non-operative rehabilitation” failed to fix instability issues in the knee. He’s expected to recover in time for the 2024/25 season fully.
Memphis had high hopes of building off the momentum it garnered in the last two years. But now the Grizzlies, who won 51 games and were second in the Western Conference last year, will be without two starters to begin the season. Adams is out for the season, and Ja Morant has been suspended for the first 25 games. It remains to be seen whether Morant will return once he is eligible.
Adams’ injury dates back to last January against the Phoenix Suns when the 30-year-old suffered a PCL sprain in his right knee. Adams was initially only expected to be out for five weeks. He did get close to returning as he participated in five-on-five workouts in March.
However, the Grizzlies never cleared Adams. The biggest reason was that there was concern about how Adams’ knee would respond to the workload. He was given a stem-cell injection that put him on a time frame to return in early April and in time for the playoffs.
Adams didn’t undergo surgery this offseason. Instead, the 6-11 big man opted to try the non-surgical approach.
Adams was cleared to take part in training camp. He even played in two preseason games, averaging 4.5 points and 5.0 rebounds in 13.6 minutes per night.
The Effect of Losing Adams
The loss of Adams is an even more significant blow, with Brandon Clarke not ready for the season opener as he continues to rehab. Clarke sustained a torn Achilles in early March and underwent a clean-up procedure during the offseason. Clarke has no timeline for return after suffering a torn Achilles in March, Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN reports.
The Grizzlies also start the season without a timeline on the return of forward Brandon Clarke, who suffered an Achilles tear in March.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) October 22, 2023
Memphis has already made its cuts and has 15 players on standard contracts. Of the Grizzlies’ 12 available players on standard contracts, at least six are power forwards or centers. Jaren Jackson Jr., the reigning NBA DPOY, will likely move over to center from power forward. That means that Santi Aldama, who started 20 games last season, or Xavier Tillman, who started 29 contests during the regular season and six playoff games, will begin at the four.
Tillman and Aldama each started two preseason games. Both players also played well during the exhibition slate and complement each other well. Aldama is the more offensive-minded player, while Tillman is known for his defense.
Aldama scored in double-figures in four of his five preseason appearances and averaged 13.9 points on 52.1% shooting from the floor and 31.8% from the 3-point line. He grabbed 5.6 rebounds and doled out 1.8 assists in 19 minutes of action.
Meanwhile, Tillman compiled 7.8 points on 53.8% shooting, though he was just 1 of 9 (11.1%) from the 3-point line. Tillman also hauled down 5.8 boards, doled out 1.5 assists, and averaged a block shot in four appearances.
Other Options
The player, Tillman or Aldama, that doesn’t start will be the first big off the bench. David Roddy, a vital part of the Grizzlies’ second unit last season, projects to serve as the primary backup at power forward and fourth big overall. Jake LaRavia has struggled shooting the ball as a pro, and Kenneth Lofton Jr. will also potentially see minutes at the four. LaRavia had a decent training camp, contributing 13.4 points and 4.0 boards in 21 minutes in three preseason games.
Ziaire Williams could also slide down to the four a little from the wing. Six-foot-9 rookie power forward GG Jackson is also available, as he is on a two-way contract.
But Damichael Cole of The Commercial Appeal believes Memphis will be in the market for another big man.
The Grizzlies have to be in the market for a center now. Specifically a big center than can dominate on the glass. That’s now a glaring hole on the roster.
— Damichael Cole (@DamichaelC) October 22, 2023
Memphis could scowl the free-agent market or make a trade. Either way, as ESPN’s Bobby Marks pointed out, the Griz would have to open up a roster spot. Marks provided the options that they have.
Memphis will now enter the regular season without Ja Morant (suspension), Brandon Clarke (injury rehab) and Steven Adams (injury).
The Grizzlies have 15 players on guaranteed contracts.
Here are their options:
1. They can file a Disabled Player Exception request to the NBA for…
— Bobby Marks (@BobbyMarks42) October 22, 2023
The most likely scenario for the Grizzlies is to move Morant to the suspended list on November 2, as that little transaction would open up a roster spot. The Griz can also get some salary relief by filing a Disabled Player Exception, which would give them an additional $6.3 million to acquire a player. But they still have their total non-taxpayer exception and bi-annual exception. So, money is not an issue for them.
Regarding free agents, Bismack Biyombo and Dewayne Dedmon make the most sense for the Grizzlies. Dwight Howard and Gorgui Dieng could also be options.
But if the Griz also decide to go the trade route, they have a $7.5 million trade exception.
Day’Ron Sharpe, Andre Drummond, Richaun Holmes, Marvin Bagley III, Jock Landale, Markieff Morris, Thomas Bryant, or Orlando Robinson could be possibilities on the trade market.
