The Memphis Grizzlies, who are yet to win a game in the new NBA season, are seriously looking to add center depth in free agency after losing Steven Adams to a long-term injury. The Grizzlies could have resorted to the talented Ja Morant but the star is currently serving his 25-game ban.
Despite the misfortunes of the team, the franchise is in a pole position to secure the services of a free-agent center Bismack Biyombo who could prove to be a great arsenal for the Grizzlies moving forward.
How is Ja Morant’s suspension allowing Grizzlies to sign Bismack Biyombo?
Earlier this year, Grizzlies star Ja Morant was splashed with a 25-game ban owing to him being filmed displaying a gun on two different occasions. The star will be returning late in the new season, which has motivated the Grizzlies to secure another center named Bismack Biyombo.
This was revealed in a post on X by Shams Charania, who reported, “The Memphis Grizzlies are planning to sign center Bismack Biyombo, sources tell @TheAthletic @Stadium. The team can sign Biyombo via exemption after the fifth game of Ja Morant’s suspension. Biyombo brings rim protection (1.4 blocks per game last season) with Steven Adams out.”
The Grizzlies, currently on a two-game losing streak this season will be able to add the 2011 draft veteran center Biyombo, who played last two campaigns with the Suns as a backup. The Grizzlies will have Biyombo after making a way by adding Morant, who has already made an impressive fortune, to the NBA’s suspension-exempt list.
Biyombo who plays big man with long arms and great athleticism, appears to fulfil the current requirements of the Grizzlies. The 6-foot-8 tall and 255-pound big man is quite good at blocks and rebounding. Biyombo in nine of his last 12 seasons, made at least one block per game. Biyombo averaged 6.7 rebounds per game in 14 starts with 22.6 minutes last season. However, Bismack Biyombo might prove to be a goldmine for the Grizzlies’ roster, but the big question revolves around what happens when Ja Morant returns in April next year.
Update on Steve Adams injury
Steven Adams, the Grizzlies star sprained the posterior cruciate ligament in his right knee last January, which sidelined him for the remainder of the 2022-2023 campaign and the playoffs inclusive. The center Adams who is highly expected to make full recovery ahead of the 2024-2025 season, was initially tipped to make the return this season until the franchise’s surgery announcement.
Adams who is in his 10th year in the NBA was very impressive before the injury, averaging 8.6 points, 11.5 rebounds, and 2.3 assists. He has always proven to be a strong rebounder and defender for the Grizzlies.
With Adams expected to stay out longer, and Morant still in suspension, it could be time for Bismack Biyombo to take the team on his shoulders owing to his experience in the league.
