It was announced on Sunday that Grizzlies starting center Steven Adams is out for the entire season after needing surgery on his right knee. This adds to the list of problems for the Grizzlies this season. They’re already without their star player, Ja Morant, for the first 25 games due to suspension. Having Adams, who’s the best offensive rebounder in the entire NBA, would have really helped the offense by giving them more chances without their leading engine on offense. He averaged a staggering 5 offensive rebounds per game last season, which is just insane. It was easily first in the league. This comes on top of the fact that the team is already without its backup center, Brandon Clarke for the foreseeable future due to an achilles injury. They do have a near 7-foot all-star in Jaren Jackson Jr, who is the reigning defensive player of the year. However, he plays his best alongside a true center, and should be a power forward. He’s one of the worst rebounding bigs in the entire league, and we saw that in the FIBA World Cup this summer. He started at center for Team USA, and averaged a measly 3 rebounds per game. It was one of the largest downfalls of the national team. That will leave Memphis scrounging for options to play alongside him, whether it’s Xavier Tillman or Santi Aldama. But the big rotation in Memphis has become extremely thin. This comes at a time when there is no room for error in the west as well, as there are at least 13 teams in the conference vying for 8 playoff spots. The team will be counting on increased production from guys like Santi Aldama, Kenneth Lofton Jr, and Jake LaRavia to help pick up some slack. I do expect a big season from Desmond Bane as well. This puts more pressure on Jaren Jackson Jr than ever before, as they now not only need him to pick up his scoring without Morant but also need him to pick up his rebounding to help offset the Adams injury. He needs to have a legitimate all-nba caliber season to keep this team from drowning.
Think about subbing, I’m on the road to 12k!!!
#memphisgrizzlies #jamorant #stevenadams
4 Comments
‘Memphis are in Deep trouble. I have them now as a weak play in team. They are without dillion brooks and one of the best backup pg tyus jones. Memphis will be weaker.
Dwight to Memphis?
Hmmmm! Let’s see! We replaced Tyus Jones With Marcus Smart. Our backup Center is Xavier Tillman has playoff experience. We are loaded with draft picks,so if needed we can make a move. We have one of the best front offices in the league. #relax
Grizzlies gonna bring back Big County at center.