Contrary to popular belief, the importance of bigs in the NBA is still relevant. Two of the four remaining playoff teams start the two traditional big lineups like the Memphis Grizzlies did this season, and the other two start one traditional big with at least one coming off the bench that they play together at times.
The Oklahoma City Thunder frontcourt outmuscled the Grizzlies, who started a rookie center, and were missing their primary big off the bench due to injury for the second consecutive playoff run. The Thunder only had one big last year and sought to add one in Isaiah Hartenstein last offseason to complete their frontcourt rotation.
As the NBA looks to bring back normalcy to their lineups in 2025, the Grizzlies should be looking to add depth to their big man rotation. They have a couple of options in free agency they could reasonably use a portion of their mid-level exception on, if not a veteran minimum on some options.
1. Bobby Portis Jr.
While traditional bigs are back in style, having too many that can't stretch the floor isn't the way to go either. With Brandon Clarke still on the roster, the Grizzlies could consider a sign-and-trade scenario for the Bucks' veteran big, Bobby Portis, as he has a decision to make on his $13.4 million player option.
Portis would bring the toughness the Grizzlies lack and the ability to stretch the floor with his 36.5% career three-point shooting. He would pair perfectly with any lineup combination off the bench at either big man position.
2. Precious Achiuwa
Signing the former Memphis Tigers forward would be a homecoming of some sort for Precious Achiuwa, who won AAC (American Athletic Conference) Player of the Year in his only season with the Tigers during the 2019-2020 season. He would be a low-cost option that could provide depth and hustle, and would be insurance for Brandon Clarke if he were to miss time again.
3. Marvin Bagley III
The former number two overall pick from the 2018 NBA draft didn't get much opportunity in his short stint with the Grizzlies after they acquired him at the trade deadline. However, he showed value with his hustle and production when the opportunity was provided for him to play.
In his first playoff career appearance, Bagley III was the only bright spot for the team when he scored 17 points on 100% shooting in their embarrassing Game 1 defeat to the Oklahoma City Thunder. He was ready whenever his number was called, and that bodes well for a potential return on a low salary.