Ja Morant’s December NBA Return Set to Cost a Dismal Heartbreak for Grizzlies
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The Memphis Grizzlies have been facing one blow after another since last season. After Ja Morant‘s 25-game suspension, the team suffered yet another setback. Reportedly, the team’s center, Steven Adams, is to undergo a season-ending surgery. Adams sprained a ligament at the beginning of the year during a game against the Phoenix Suns, which sidelined him for 36 games last season. He then underwent a stem-cell injection in March, but the injury ended up lingering through the playoffs and offseason. The team announced that rehabilitation “did not resolve ongoing knee instability” and that he would be sidelined for yet another season.
In the wake of these fresh developments within the team, the Grizzlies are desperately searching for a free agent to add depth to the center. However, little do the Grizzly fans know they are in for another heartbreak.
Ja Morant’s return might prove costly to the team
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Steve Adams’ absence might prove to be a costly affair. His role on the team is much greater than his stats can reflect. The 30-year-old center is one of the best screen setters. He’s an excellent rebounder and one of the few in the league who can go against big men, Nikola Jokic or Joel Embiid alone.
In his absence and Ja Morant’s suspension, the Grizzlies are expected to add much-needed depth in free agent center Bismack Biyombo. Although the Grizzlies have filled up their 15-man roster, there is one loophole. After five games, the team will be able to add Morant to the NBA’s suspension-exempt list, making room for Biyombo ahead of the team’s matchup against the Utah Jazz.
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The Memphis Grizzlies are planning to sign center Bismack Biyombo, sources tell @TheAthletic @Stadium. Team is able to sign Biyombo via exemption after fifth game of Ja Morant’s suspension. Biyombo brings rim protection (1.4 blocks per game last season) with Steven Adams out. pic.twitter.com/NDRxs8h09Z
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) October 29, 2023
Ja Morant is slated to return to action on December 19th against the New Orleans Pelicans. Although his return is much-awaited, it will also bring major bad news for Grizzly fans. Upon Ja’s return, the Grizzlies will have to part ways with either Biyombo or any other player on their current roster. This is important since a team can only play the season with a maximum of 15 members.
How can Biyombo’s addition affect the Grizzlies?
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Biyombo can add a lot of value as a rim protector for the struggling Grizzlies. The 6’8″ center averaged 6.7 rebounds and 1 block per game last season. Therefore, he could contribute defensively as a shot blocker and rebounder in the absence of Steven Adams.
The Grizzlies have played three games so far this season and are still searching for a victory. After losing two home opener games to the New Orleans Pelicans and Denver Nuggets, the Grizzlies fell once again to the Washington Wizards. Hopefully, the addition of Biyombo could float the team to their first-season victory.
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So, what are your thoughts on the addition of Biyombo? Let us know in the comments below!
Watch this story: 51 Days Away From Return, Ja Morant Teases Grizzlies Reunion With 4-Words
Written by:
Edited by:
Saumya Khanduja