Memphis Grizzlies Center Steven Adams to Undergo Season-Ending Knee Surgery

Loss of Adams exacerbates existing depth and size issues for Memphis Grizzlies, lowers their chances of becoming West's top team; Adams' return expected for 2024-25 season.

Memphis Grizzlies' center Steven Adams will undergo season-ending surgery on his right knee due to unresolved knee instability, marking his extended absence from the team since January 2022 when he first sustained the injury.
The loss of Adams severely impacts the Grizzlies who are already facing depth problems in the frontcourt, with back-up Brandon Clarke also likely to be out for most of the season due to a torn Achilles.
The Grizzlies' alternatives include shifting to a smaller line-up with Jaren Jackson Jr. taking on more minutes at center, putting pressure on other players such as Xavier Tillman Jr., Ziaire Williams, David Roddy, and Santi Aldama to step up.
Adams' absence, combined with the suspension of All-Star guard Ja Morant and the injury of Brandon Clarke, has ramifications on the Grizzlies' performance, possibly causing a drop in the team's projection from the top team in the Western conference to fifth place.
Despite the challenges, the Grizzlies still project as a playoff team, with potential strategies including trades or the use of financial exceptions. The predicted return of Adams for the 2024-25 season provides some consolation for the team in the longer run.