It seems the Memphis Grizzlies can’t catch a break of late. For a team that’s still recovering from the effects of the gun allegations surrounding Ja Morant, the Grizzlies will face an even bigger problem entering the 2023 playoffs as the second seed in the Western Conference.
Already playing without Brandon Clarke since March after he suffered a season-ending Achilles injury, Memphis’ front line just took another major hit.
No Steven Adams For the Playoffs
Steven Adams is averaging 8.6 points, 11.5 rebounds, 2.3 assists, 1.1 blocks, and 59.7% field goal shooting in 42 regular-season games this season. When the playoffs start, the Grizzlies will have to look elsewhere to fill the void.
According to reports, the 29-year-old New Zealander will likely miss the postseason due to a right knee injury. Adams has been out since last month and has been dealing with a posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) sprain since January. With Adams in the middle, the Grizzlies have gone 28-14 this season. In the games played without Adams, the squad went 23-16.
Adams’ Absence Will Hurt the Grizzlies
Right now, Memphis is assured of the second seed in the Western Conference entering the playoffs. However, Adam’s absence will hurt the team, especially in the first round.
The Grizzlies still need to wait for the play-in tournament to conclude before knowing who they’ll face. The Los Angeles Lakers, Oklahoma City Thunder, New Orleans Pelicans, and the Minnesota Timberwolves will slug it out for the right to reach the first round.
For the season, the Grizzlies had a losing record against those teams. Any of the aforementioned rosters will pose a threat to the Grizzlies- particularly on the front line. Without a bonafide big to defend players like Anthony Davis, or Rudy Gobert, the team will have to rely on players like Jaren Jackson Jr. to shoulder an even bigger defensive load than usual.
Sensing the need for immediate action before the playoffs, the Grizzlies made a roster move prior to the end of the regular season. Memphis and two-way rookie player, Kenneth Lofton Jr., came to terms on a four-year, seven-million dollar contract. Lofton Jr. is fresh off winning the Rookie of the Year award in the NBA G-League.
Lofton Jr. averaged 3.4 points, 1.6 rebounds, 0.9 assists, 0.2 steals, 0.1 blocks, and 47.1% field goal shooting in the 23 games he played with the Grizzlies in a limited role. However in the G-League, he posted 22.4 points, 10.1 rebounds, 3.6 assists, 1.2 steals, and 53.9% field goal shooting for the Memphis Hustle. With Adams out for the playoffs, it’s expected Lofton Jr. will play heavier minutes alongside JJJ, Dillon Brooks, and Xavier Tilman.
While Lofton Jr. will have big shoes to fill, many believe he’ll be up to the challenge. Standing six-foot-six and weighing 275 pounds, he plays a physical game that can wear down opponents. Most importantly, he comes in fresh, which is more than can be said of many Western Conference rosters following their 82 game marathons.
While Adams’ veteran presence will sorely be missed, Memphis will hope that Lofton Jr.’s strong G-League showing will translate to the NBA in an expanded role. And if his season finale is any indication of how that transition will go, perhaps there isn’t quite so much to worry about after all.
-Iggy Gonzales
Photo: All-Pro Reels. This file is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 2.0 Generic license.