Memphis Grizzlies fans have weathered a storm of adversity and terrible optics for the last several months already, but things are only going to get harder following a devastating injury development. Center Steven Adams has undergone season-ending knee surgery and will miss the entirety of the 2023-24 campaign. This comes after he was sidelined for months with the same issue last season.
Ja Morant's 25-game suspension has been known and aptly braced for since June, but there was optimism that Adams would be able to start the year healthy. After seeing how the team fared without his strong inside presence this past postseason, this news is undeniably demoralizing.
The veteran big man is a vital component of Memphis' identity and embodies the “Grit and Grind” style of the 2010s. The team's ceiling is seemingly limited without his elite rebounding and defensive skill set in the lineup. But this is no time to eulogize the Grizzlies. With opening tip-off set to commence at FedExForum this Wednesday, general manager Zach Kleiman and head coach Taylor Jenkins must respond accordingly and figure out how to best fill this gaping hole.
Although they are not seeking our help, we are going to identify three potential candidates who can help pick up the slack. Here are 3 centers the Grizzlies must consider following Steven Adams' season-ending setback.
Bismack Biyombo, free agent
There are three paths Memphis can take when trying to replace Adams' production. Jenkins can look to his bench (probably Xavier Tillman and Santi Aldama), target a clear-cut starter or add a veteran backup to carry some of the burden. We're going the way of option No. 3 to start things off, as we scour the free agency pool.
Bismack Biyombo is not a flashy name, but he has the type of skill set the Grizzlies are lacking right now. Although the veteran's playing time is sparse at this point of his career, he remains a strong rim protector and rebounder when on the court.
The Phoenix Suns brought back Biyombo last season, and reaped the benefits of his 1.4 blocks per game, which was his most since 2015-16. That total increased to an impressive 1.8 in the first round of the NBA Playoffs against the Los Angeles Clippers.
Biyombo is only 31 years of age and should be able to provide some reinforcements for Memphis should Kleiman and company deem fit. This team is at its best when it brings some physicality on the defensive end. The former first-round pick knows his role and will happily handle the Grizzlies' dirty work. They just need to give him a call.
Richaun Holmes, Mavericks
Biyombo might still be in search of a suitor, but one can argue that Richaun Holmes has just as much to prove after the Dallas Mavericks acquired him via trade at the 2023 NBA Draft. He has played in just 87 games combined across the last two years, averaging slightly more than eight minutes per game with the Sacramento Kings last season. He has a decent opportunity for a comeback this year, though.
But it might be more likely to happen in Memphis rather than Dallas. Holmes is a quality rebounder, including on the offensive end, can score off the pick-and-roll and holds his own as a shot-blocker. While injuries have prevented him from showcasing these talents recently, he still has some solid basketball left in the tank at 30 years of age. Any risk in trading for Holmes is minimized by the Grizzlies' need for center depth.
The former second-round pick has been a regular starter and a key bench piece. This franchise could benefit from that type of adaptability following a turbulent few months.
Hawks' Clint Capela could be a huge upgrade for Grizzlies
The first two contingency plans are low-cost but also low-to-medium-reward options for Memphis. In order to make an emphatic statement, however, the front office will have to complete a sizable trade. Atlanta Hawks center Clint Capella immediately comes to mind.
The 29-year-old double-double machine (has averaged one for six-straight seasons) feels destined to finally be dealt elsewhere. His name has been in the rumor mill for a while now and fellow big man Onyeka Okongwu just signed a contract extension. If Zach Kleiman's offer is enticing enough, the Hawks should bite without hesitation.
Though, it is unclear of what that trade package might be exactly. The Grizzlies would probably need to part with solid role players like Brandon Clarke and David Roddy to land Capela. It would be worth it. He is not just an upgrade over their current centers, but also Adams himself.
The Swiss veteran can help this franchise stay competitive during Ja Morant's suspension, while potentially being a pivotal difference-maker in the postseason. The anxiousness this fan base is currently feeling quickly turns into optimism if the team acquires this underrated talent.
Whichever path the Memphis Grizzlies decide to take, it is essential that they mange to compensate for Steven Adams' seasonlong absence. There will already be enough uncertainty filling up the FedExForum in 2023-24. The franchise can't afford any more.
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