5 Changes Grizzlies must make after disastrous start to 2023-24 season
By Tyler Watts
3. Crash the glass
Steven Adams is an elite rebounder who protects the rim, so it was a massive blow for the Grizzlies to lose him for the entire season before the opener. Jaren Jackson Jr. needs a center to play next to him, and the Grizzlies have struggled on the glass in their first four games.
They are currently 21st in rebounds per game at 43.5 and rank 20th in rebound percentage. Beyond that, Memphis has been outrebounded by 11 boards over the 192 minutes.
The Grizzlies no longer have someone who can average 15.4 boards per 36 minutes like Adams did last season. Xavier Tillman Sr. is holding his own with a solid 8.5 rebounds in 30.0 minutes each night. Memphis needs to collectively make up the difference if they plan to be among the league’s best teams as they were last season.
Desmond Bane, Marcus Smart, and Jaren Jackson Jr. all need to be better on the glass. JJJ is averaging a career-high 7.0 rebounds per game, but it has long been one of his flaws. Still, Memphis needs more from their starting power forward and reigning Defensive Player of the Year. Bane getting back to five each night and Smart getting closer to four would also be massive.