A lot of things happened after Adams got hurt other than just Adams getting hurt
The Grizz were 20-14 after Adams injury (58.82%) - which would’ve been better than the 3rd seed Kings last year
The Grizzlies went into the playoffs as a 2 seed with Adams and Clarke being out for months.
They aren’t going to make a major move to replace Adams, they honestly shouldn’t.
The Grizzlies need to find a serviceable player that can rebound, and allow Jaren to play the 4
That player needs to be someone that’s bigger than Xavier Tillman, too.
Xavier put on 40lbs this off season he’s good
It was never really about weight with him it’s more so about his height.
Need to call up Washington and see if Daniel Gafford is available IMO
Gaff wouldn’t really fix their problems because rebounding is one of his worst skills. His shot blocking and rim protection is amazing, but the Grizzlies need Adams to address their poor shot making. He’s such a unique player, I don’t know if anyone in the league can fill that specific need. It would be funny to have JJJ and Gaff playing at the same time though.
They’ll be fine until the playoffs, at which point they’ll be irrelevant.
Xavier boutta surprise you all
If the Grizzlies can get through the first 25 games (without Steven Adams and Brandon Clarke, and also without Ja Morant) at say 15-10 (the equivalent of 50 win pace), they might not even make any trades, and they will be fine.
JJJ will stay in foul trouble and Tyus Jones was REALLY good for them. That’s my hesitation to saying they’ll be fine.
Clint Capela seems like the most obvious option
Agreed.
You have to factor Ja missing 20 games (I think? Or 25?). He’s an all-star point guard and means a lot to their team. Also, last year they had Tyous Jones backing him up, so he’d come in and do a solid 16 points, 7 assists or something like that. He’s on the Wizards now.
Both Bane and JJJ crush whenever Ja’s out. Ja affects how the team plays a lot more than whether or not they win.
They did 2 seasons ago, last season without Ja they were okay not incredible.
Duop Reath would be a decent pickup.
Bottom line, if they have no bugs they’re going home in the first round again. That’s their ceiling.
Are we if ignoring their star player being suspended for 25 games already?
Do we really think Desmond and JJJ can carry that team to 50 wins?
Robert Williams, Jonas, Capela…They have a bunch of options.
It’s not just that there’s no Adams. It’s no Adams + no Clarke + no ja for 25. That’s a gigantic hit in a competitive West