The NBA season has been unkind to the Memphis Grizzlies over the last couple of seasons on the injury front, and it doesn't appear to get any better to begin this regular season. The team already knew they would likely be without starting center Zach Edey at the beginning of the season, and possibly without Jaren Jackson as well.
Both players had offseason surgeries and received positive updates on their return timelines just before the team began training camp. Jaren Jackson Jr.'s timeline to return is set to be somewhere between the start of the regular season and two weeks into the season. Edey's timeline is set for him to return within the first month of the regular season.
The team made offseason moves to try to combat their potential absences by essentially swapping the finesse Jay Huff (trade to Pacers) for the more physical Jock Landale (signing), and re-signing top-reserve Santi Aldama. However, they expected backup big man Brandon Clarke to return for the start, and he suffered a setback that will keep him out for more than six weeks.
Now, the Grizzlies are at a crossroads with a full roster and only one healthy center going into the regular season.
"Positionless" basketball is about to take o a whole new meaning
Ja Morant has been at his best when paired with a physically imposing center, so beginning the season without Edey and Clarke will hurt. However, the Jock Landale signing was made because of that scenario and will likely keep the team at bay to begin the season. The problem comes behind him that will determine how successful the team can be.
Two-way signee PJ Hall could garner some opportunities after playing very limited minutes with the Denver Nuggets on a two-way contract last season. Playing Santi Aldama at center could be a death sentence due to his finesse nature, but it could work against a team that doesn't have a physically imposing center.
The Grizzlies have a plethora of wings who could play minutes at power forward if Jaren Jackson Jr. has to miss time, including GG Jackson, John Konchar, and two-way signee Olivier-Maxence Prosper. Also, in the event that Jackson Jr. doesn't need to miss time, then he would move over to center when Landale goes to the bench.
Luckily, the Grizzlies have a heavy home slate to begin the regular season, with eight of their first 11 games coming at the FedExForum. Jaren Jackson Jr.'s timeline helps take the sting out of Brandon Clarke's setback and Zach Edey's timeline for return. Sure, they would've liked to avoid this scenario, but they should be able to accommodate it within the short time period.