Yes, there are plenty of other frontcourt options for the Grizzlies besides Aday Mara. But it's impossible to ignore how much of a buzzsaw this year's Michigan Wolverines were. It was a deep team, but the frontcourt was its clearest strength. Given the Grizzlies' clear need to improve the depth behind Zach Edey, Morez Johnson Jr. and Aday Mara have both made strong cases as potential first-round options.
Zach Edey was on track to have a dominant second season before suffering a stress reaction in his surgically repaired left ankle. Not long ago, Edey had another surgery on the ankle and was ruled out for the remainder of the season. It was a devastating blow for the Grizzlies given his defensive dominance and his growing comfort level on offense.
In 11 games, Edey averaged 13.6 points, 11.1 rebounds, and 1.9 blocks in 25.9 minutes per contest. Edey anchored a major defensive turnaround and had one of the highest net ratings in the NBA before his injury. Unfortunately, the Grizzlies simply did not have the depth required to overcome his impactful absence.
Zach Edey is currently expected to make a full recovery and remains on track to play the season opener for the 2026-27 season. However, given Edey's size and recurring injuries to the same ankle, the Grizzlies have to make it a strong priority to boost the depth behind him.
The 2026 NBA Draft class is stacked, and the Grizzlies have two great options from the national champion Michigan Wolverines to consider.
Aday Mara is becoming a more popular name for Grizzlies fans
Simply put, Aday Mara is one of my favorite prospects in the entire class, and I am simply enticed by the idea of pairing another 7-footer with Edey. Listed at 7-foot-3 and 255 pounds, Mara played two seasons at UCLA before transferring to Michigan and having a breakout junior season. Mara averaged 12.1 points, 6.8 rebounds, 2.4 assists, and 2.6 blocks per game.
Mara was one of the most impactful pieces during the Wolverines' national championship run and has a very intriguing mix of playmaking upside and touch at the rim. Mara was one of the best rim protectors in college basketball and should make an immediate impact there in the NBA. The idea of pairing Aday Mara and Zach Edey together would be a terrifying sight for other teams in the league.
Don't discount what Morez Johnson Jr. could do for the Grizzlies
Morez Johnson Jr. was also another major piece as to why the Wolverines were so dominant this season. Listed at 6-foot-9 and 250 pounds, Johnson Jr. had a strong sophomore season for the Wolverines after transferring from Illinois. Johnson Jr. averaged 13.1 points, 7.3 rebounds, 1.2 assists, and 1.8 stocks (steals and blocks).
Johnson Jr. is a very well-rounded defender and showed a significant motor on the glass. The Grizzlies desperately need another player besides Edey that can crash the glass and provide quality rim protection. Johnson Jr.'s jumpshot will be a key determining factor of his offensive upside in the NBA, but he finishes well at the rim and is incredibly efficient inside the arc.
One of the biggest issues for the Grizzlies, especially without Zach Edey, was the lack of frontcourt options that could make a consistent two-way impact. Johnson Jr. is a strong candidate to make an immediate two-way impact and to be a force multiplier with or without Edey.
When healthy, it is very easy to see why the Grizzlies view Zach Edey as a key building block long-term. However, the Grizzlies must look to find more quality frontcourt pieces to help mitigate any concerns about his long-term health. Luckily for them, the 2026 NBA Draft has two amazing options from the new national champions in Aday Mara and Morez Johnson Jr.