Kofi Inkoom
The Memphis Grizzlies have made it known that their center, Steven Adams, is scheduled for knee surgery that will effectively end his season.
The surgery is scheduled for his right posterior cruciate ligament since attempts at non-operative rehabilitation failed to resolve the knee’s instability issues. The team anticipates a complete recovery in time for the 2024/25 season.
Adams suffered a knee injury last January, but he was cleared to participate in the training camp and managed to play in two of Memphis’ preseason matches, averaging 4.5 points and 5.0 rebounds in 13.6 minutes per game.
After last season, the Grizzlies contemplated knee surgery for Adams but chose to explore non-surgical alternatives. There’s also speculation that, following this news, Memphis may be on the lookout for another centre.
In the absence of Adams last season, Memphis deployed Jaren Jackson Jr. as a center in smaller lineups.
The Grizzlies keenly felt the absence of Adams’ physical presence in the middle as they exited the playoffs in the first round.
To begin the season, the team already has 15 guaranteed contracts but will be without Adams, Ja Morant, who faces a 25-game suspension, and Brandon Clarke, who is in the process of rehabilitation.
It’s worth noting that Memphis has the option to file for a Disabled Player Exception to replace Adams, which would amount to $6.3 million, half of his salary. Nevertheless, the Grizzlies would need to create a roster vacancy to use this exception.
Morant can be shifted to the suspended list after five games, potentially opening up a roster spot. Therefore, Memphis might be in the market for another big man rather than a guard to fill in for Morant.
The Grizzlies, who are $17.1 million away from the luxury tax threshold, also have a $12.4 million non-taxpayer mid-level exception, a $7.5 million trade exception, and a $4.5 million biannual exception at their disposal.