When it comes to the new-look Memphis Grizzlies heading into 2023-24, there seems to be somewhat of an open debate about which of their incoming additions will have the biggest impact on Taylor Jenkins’ roster.
Some have tabbed Marcus Smart as the clear choice while others have deemed the signing of Derrick Rose as something that could go on to thrust superstar guard Ja Morant toward career-best production.
During an August 8 episode of NBA on ESPN, senior writer Ramona Shelburne seemingly chose a different path with her answer, as she made the argument that the most vital addition is actually more of a reintroduction.
Steven Adams deemed ‘biggest addition’ to 2023-24 Grizzlies roster
“I think it’s all about maturity for them. They have the talent and they’ve had the talent for a couple of years here and the question is when do they grow up, when do they take that step forward,” Shelburne said. “I’m very high on the Memphis Grizzlies this year. I love the addition of Marcus Smart and Derrick Rose… If anything, I think the biggest addition will be Steven Adams, getting him back into that lineup after that knee injury that he had last year.”
Steven Adams put in a shift in the dominant win over Miami:
— ESPN Australia & NZ (@ESPNAusNZ) December 7, 2021
🔸 17 POINTS
🔸 16 REBOUNDS
The Grizzlies are on a roll, having now gone 5 straight games without trailing at 𝘼𝙉𝙔 point. pic.twitter.com/tEWdHXURIr
Last year, prior to going down indefinitely with a PCL sprain in his right knee, Adams proved to be one of the most important presences found on the Grizzlies’ active roster.
Through 42 games played, the veteran center posted averages of 8.6 points, 11.5 rebounds, 2.3 assists, and 1.1 blocks on 59.7 percent shooting from the field while 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 departure from the lineup, however, the club seemingly crumbled, as their production in each of these aforementioned categories tanked down to ranks of just 13 (.556), 13 (10.3), 15 (43.1), ninth (112.6), and 13 (2.2), respectively.
Though the likes of Smart and Rose are certainly the names that have been buzzed about the most when it comes to fresh faces on the Grizzlies heading into the new season, at the end of the day their impact on this team is still completely unknown.
With this, Shelburne has opted to pinpoint the already established commodity in Memphis’ trusty pivot as being their “biggest addition” and, frankly, based on his play and overall impact last season, it’s a point that’s hard to argue against.
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