1. Steven Adams
While there were several key members of the Grizzlies who missed significant time last season, there’s a strong argument to be made that no individual’s presence on the hardwood was more missed than Steven Adams’.
In late January, the veteran center sustained a PCL sprain in his right knee that, though initially expected to hold a three-to-five-week recovery period, ultimately held him out for the final 35 games of the regular season and the entirety of their one-and-done playoff run.
Through 42 games played, Adams posted averages of 8.6 points, 11.5 rebounds, 2.3 assists, and 1.1 blocks on 59.7 percent shooting from the field which, while impressive, are certainly not numbers that will blow anyone away on their own.
However, the impact his production had on the Grizzlies as a whole undoubtedly was.
Prior to going down for the season, with Adams in tow Memphis ranked third in win percentage (.674), first in offensive rebounding (13.4), first in total rebounding (49.4), first in defensive rating (109.2), and second in net rating (5.4).
Following his PCL sprain, however, the club plummeted in each of these aforementioned categories, ranking 13 (.556), 13 (10.3), 15 (43.1), ninth (112.6), and 13 (2.2), respectively.
Looking around the roster, the deep collection of talent on the Grizzlies has the ability to effectively find a replacement for virtually any position in need of filling… all except for the pivot position, evidently.
In order for Memphis to reach their full potential, they’ll need the nitty-gritty services of a healthy Steven Adams to be found manning the middle.
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