Grizzlies center Steven Adams will undergo season-ending knee surgery, the team announced (via Twitter).
The procedure will address his right posterior cruciate ligament, as “non-operative rehabilitation” failed to fix instability issues in the knee. He’s expected to make a full recovery in time for the 2024/25 season, the team added.
An injury to the knee sidelined Adams in January of last season. He was cleared to take part in training camp and was able to play in two of Memphis’ preseason games, averaging 4.5 points and 5.0 rebounds in 13.6 minutes per night.
According to Damichael Cole of The Commercial Appeal (Twitter link), the Grizzlies considered knee surgery for Adams after the end of last season, but opted to try the non-surgical approach instead. Cole also speculates that Memphis will be in the market for another big man in light of today’s news (Twitter link).
Memphis used Jaren Jackson Jr. at center in a smaller lineups after the loss of Adams last season. The Grizzlies missed Adams’ physical presence in the middle en route to a first-round playoff exit.
The team already has 15 guaranteed contracts, but will begin the season without Adams, Ja Morant, who will serve a 25-game suspension, and Brandon Clarke, who is rehabbing an injury, notes Bobby Marks of ESPN (Twitter link). He points out that Memphis can file for a disabled player exception to replace Adams, which would be valued at $6.3MM, half of his $12.6MM salary. However, the Grizzlies would have to open a roster spot to use it.
Morant can be moved to the suspended list after five games, creating a roster opening, so Memphis may look for another big man rather than a guard to replace Morant. The Grizzlies, who are $17.1MM away from the luxury tax, also have a $12.4MM non-taxpayer mid-level exception, a $7.5MM trade exception and a $4.5MM bi-annual exception available, according to Marks.
Grizzlies done
Nah,they’ll make playoffs. The Grizz were 23-17 without Adams last season, however combined with the fact that Morant won’t be there for the first 25 games it will be tough for them to get home court in the 1st round.
It sucks though because I like how the big Kiwi’s style of play.
The whole front court in Memphis is thin. Clarke is missing the whole season too. And they were already stuck doing SF by committee. They need one of their young guys to step up. Tillman just kind of exists a lot of the time.
It’s SF by committee until Morant’s back, then I’d imagine it’s Desmond Bane. Missing the first 25 games will be beneficial for Morant, less wear and tear as he always dinged up. I could be wrong but I think they’ll be ok, not a contender but they’re well coached and have always had that “next man up” philosophy.
I don’t think there’s any question of them being okay. But their ceiling seems capped this year. And that’s really not something they want. Talented but inconsistent will be a thing with this team all season.
And I’m less concerned about Morant’s durability (though he’ll always have minor questions with how much he relies on pure athleticism), and more with JJJ’s. He’s already missed almost a whole season due to injury and at least fifteen games in 4/5 seasons. And that’s without ever averaging 30+ minutes per game in a season. Without Adams to bang into opposing bigs down low or Clarke to supplement and spell him, Jackson has a lot of potential strain this year. Lofton, Aldama, LaRavia, and Tillman better come to play.
The depth situation isn’t like, desperate. But it something to keep an eye on.
Too many things to overcome. Sometimes organizations should just chill and try not to panic in a knee jerk reaction. Like trading away assets or young players for this year would be dumb. I think Adams toughness and rebounding can be bought right now. Plus. You’ll see some good players ask for release to avoid the “cut” term. Of they can’t see minutes coming. I’d stay put and wait for Hassan Whiteside to get cut or ask for release or a player like that. The thing that will be hardest to replace is his passing and pick and roll instincts. Too bad for Adams. I’ve been a fan of him personally since he was drafted. I like his work ethic and was a perfect fit for them.
Memphis should get on the phone with Dallas about Dwight Powell or Maxi Kleber.
Dallas loves them two especially Powell. They would say no
Well, I guess the Grizzlies will be signing Wenyen Gabriel in order to make up for Steve Adams being out (if they have the room for one more contract).
Someone like Bismack Biyombo who could fill Adams role is a bit more likely.
(They don’t have room for one more contract – at least not until they are eligible for the Hardship exception via Ja’s suspension – though it seemed likely that spot was going to Shaq Harrison)
You follow the game because Bismack Biyombo will be the best option. They will likely start Xavier Tillman and let Biyombo back him up.
I’m not sure if the Memphis Grizzlies will have enough to make the playoffs out West. Ja Morant will miss the first 25 games because of suspension. Steven Adams will miss the whole season and Brandon Clarke will probably miss the season because of the achilles injury.
Well that sucks.
Daniel Theis could be a good fit. Reasonable expiring contract and wouldn’t take much to get him
I told everyone for two years now that they need a young center. This team is a mess. Had tyus Jones to trade him and two firsts for M Smart, then sign Rose. Traded for Christopher(SG/PG) and Todd (PF). Waive them both then draft another Jackson and he’s a (PF). Keep looking at SGs and PFs in free agency. Morant is out for 25 games and Clarke and Adams are out for the year. F- on the off season. I would now trade Jake L and Gregory Jackson for a starting center. Look at two ways for a C and SF. Start Williams at SF and hope he is ready . Tillman as a backup center or trade him too for a backup center. Nate McMillan would woop them into shape as men
Just wait. Not time to react like this. Totally agree with your off season assessment. Ask the club though if they wished they had done surgery they’d say yes behind closed doors. But I applaud trying to rehab first. Knifes and knees don’t get along. It’s not always a guarantee. Jackson is too aggressive on D to play the 5 all year. But a lot of good centers are out there to be had. And cuts will reveal a good player.
I appreciate you responding to me. I do think they should make a trade. I would trade Jackson ll( is 18 )and trade Jake L for a center. Jackson Jr should stay at PF. They need a young center anyway ( same age as Morant, bane , Williams and Jackson Jr)
Devastating for Memphis.
Very few bigs are available. Since they don’t need a scorer at the 5, Biyombo seems like a logical signing.
I think Santi could start alongside JJJ in C in the meantime go sign a guy like Biyombo!!!
How is Steven Adams only 30 years old? It seems like he’s been in league since the nineties.
That’s partly because he never looked that young, was a physical breast from day one!
Bugger.
They could get James Wiseman or Marvin Bagley from Detroit for a bag of chips. Maybe throw in some guac for Killian Hayes.
Jake L, Tillman, Gregory Jackson and a 2nd for Wiseman and Hayes? I like your idea though
he can still swim, right?
Well you’ve got Biyombo, Nerlens, Boogie, Dedmon, and Dwight on the street. Few 10 Day Contracts? See which one sticks?
Some options…
Biyambo on the minimum gives you a screen setter, rebounder and shot blocker like Adams. But isn’t as high IQ, doesn’t have the best hands and is terrible at the FT line. Would be good for depth but not as a full time starter for the whole season and playoffs .
James Wiseman you could trade for, I really rate the kid still and think he has all star potential but he can be soft and on a team built for winning now he’s not the best fit. He kinda needs a spot where he can feel things out, get 20 or so minutes a night and be allowed to lose games.
Could try for Andre Drummond who’s just playing back up to Vuce in Chicago. He’s still one of the best rebounders in the league, JJJ covers him on defence but offensively he’s still going to make some poor decisions. He could give you good minutes and production but would need to invest in another aswell
Daniel Theis wouldn’t be a bad shout depending on the price. He was great for Germany in the offseason.
Portland currently have 2 starting centres with Ayton and Rob Williams. Ayton is a lock to stay but Rob Will could be a possible trade candidate.
Throw Portland a couple young forwards for their rebuild and maybe a pick or two…
Boogie to to banged up and poor locker room guy. Noel is too small and not a winning piece. Dwight Howard would be solid but probably only good for 10 or so minutes per night.
Overall I’d probably trade for Drummond (cause he’s cheap), Zaire Williams and a second for Drummond. Then on top of that sign Biyambo on a vets min deal, by cutting Tillman unfortunately
Ja Bane Smart JJJ Drummond
DRose Kennard Konchar Aldama Biyambo
Bulls would look decent with White LaVine Zaire and Patrick Williams then Vuce. I’d embrace the younger new look, realise your not getting better and trade DeRozan and Caruso and try rebuild.
If you could get Wiseman to back up Vuce that would be great. Jevon and Ayo as your back up guards.
Steve-O only can play in regular season anyways. He gets PnR out of playoff games. It is a shame his career will likely be almost done. He can’t stretch the floor, but he is a force for screens.
Wiseman and Hayes for Jake L, Gregory Jackson and Tillman with two 2nd picks
Anyone?