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3 role players who will be vital to Grizzlies’ success in 2023-24

By Mark Nilon

SALT LAKE CITY UT- OCTOBER 26: Taylor Jenkins head coach of the Memphis Grizzlies watches action in their game against the Utah Jazz during the first half of their game at the Vivint Arena October 29, 2022 in Salt Lake City Utah. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Chris Gardner/Getty Images)
SALT LAKE CITY UT- OCTOBER 26: Taylor Jenkins head coach of the Memphis Grizzlies watches action in their game against the Utah Jazz during the first half of their game at the Vivint Arena October 29, 2022 in Salt Lake City Utah. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Chris Gardner/Getty Images) /
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Memphis Grizzlies, Steven Adams,
Memphis Grizzlies, Steven Adams, Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-USA TODAY Sports /

2. Steven Adams

Last season, the Grizzlies wound up winning their second-straight Southwest Division title and finished with the second-best record in the Western Conference standings with Steven Adams sitting out nearly half the season with a sprained PCL.

Though their success rate on the surface sans their primary pivot in the starting lineup may appear to be quite impressive, it was more than apparent that his absence took a huge hit on the their on-court production and efficiency.

Easily the most underrated player currently on Memphis’ roster, as well as arguably the most underrated player in the entire league, with the 30-year-old in the rotation last season Jenkins’ club ranked third in the league in win percentage, first in offensive rebounding, first in total rebounding, first in defensive rating, and second in net rating.

Following his injury-induced departure, however, they drastically worsened in all aforementioned areas and, in the end, would go on to endure a first-round postseason exit against the significantly lower-seeded Los Angeles Lakers while ranking third-worst during the quarterfinals in net rating and fourth-worst in rebound percentage.

In order for them to play at their fullest potential, it’s evident that a healthy Adams will prove to be an absolute necessity.

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