Recently, the Memphis Grizzlies made a low-risk move in free agency by signing veteran center Bismack Biyombo to bolster the team’s frontcourt depth in response to the unfortunate loss of primary pivot Stephen Adams.
Though the original belief upon his arrival was that he’d be utilized as a replacement big to have come off the pine, by the time of his second game in the 38103 he was handed the keys to the starting pivot position and, in turn, helped spearhead the charge to the club’s first win on the year.
Boasting an offensive rating of 140 and a defensive rating of 111, the 31-year-old has shown that he’s capable of making a significant impact as a regular contributor within Taylor Jenkins’ rotation and, during a recent appearance on Grind City Media’s Chris Vernon Show, Grizzlies legend Tony Allen noted that Biyombo’s brand of play is reminiscent to one noteworthy player: himself.
Memphis Grizzlies legend Tony Allen compares Bismack Biyombo to himself
"“He just wants to do all the little things. He kind of reminds me of a big TA,” Allen said. “[He] just wants to go out there and get some blocked shots, get some rebounds, get a dunk or two…nobody’s running a play for you. Stand in the dunking spot and just get what you gonna get.”"
BISMACK BIYOMBO WITH THE BLOCK IN HIS FIRST REAL ACTION AS A GRIZZLY 👀✋
— Grizz Lead (@Grizz_Lead) November 6, 2023
pic.twitter.com/qczpVasDtq
Though undoubtedly a small sample size, Biyombo has made his presence felt in myriad ways since signing on with the Grizzlies back on November 1, particularly in the defensive and rebounding departments.
Now, through two games in the starting five whilst donning the navy and gold threads, the big man is putting up 8.5 points, 10.5 rebounds, 2.0 assists, and 1.5 blocks on 70.0 percent shooting from the field.
While this increased opportunity initially came about as a result of general starting pivot Xavier Tillman being a last-minute scratch, his efficiency and impact on the rest of the team in such a role may force coach Jenkins to rethink his rotational strategy for the starting lineup moving forward.
Could he be this team’s frontcourt iteration of Tony Allen? The legend himself certainly seems to think so.
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