The Grizzlies' offseason plans are mostly complete as they have their 15-man roster intact. They only have one position left to fill with their two-way contracts, which is expected to be filled by Jahmai Mashack. However, offseason surgeries by their starting frontcourt tandem of Jaren Jackson Jr. and Zach leave a pause for concern at the beginning of the regular season.
Jaren Jackson Jr. will receive an update in late September about his status going forward with his turf toe surgery, and Zach Edey's update on his ankle surgery will come in early October. Reserve big man Brandon Clarke is expected to be ready to begin next season, but there hasn't been an update on his late-season knee injury since March.
This leaves the Grizzlies in limbo over a month before beginning training camp, as Santi Aldama, Jock Landale, and two-way big man PJ Hall are the only healthy bigs the team currently has. With this in mind, letting Marvin Bagley III walk this offseason might be a transaction the team wishes they had rethought.
Zach Edey's injury uncertainty puts pressure on Brandon Clarke
Marvin Bagley III played 12 games for the Grizzlies last season after being traded from the Washington Wizards. His role consisted of him being an emergency big man as he only played sparingly until his number was called in their play-in game against the Mavericks and game 1 of their playoff series against the Thunder.
Even Brandon Clarke's absence in their final 12 games didn't increase Bagley III's playing time for a team that needed additional minutes from their bigs. That likely played a role in the two parties deciding to part ways this offseason.
The Grizzlies are banking on good news on the injury timeline updates for Jackson Jr., Edey, and Clarke to return soon. Offseason speculation has suggested that Clarke and Jackson Jr. are expected to return by the first game of the regular season, if not within the first week of the season. However, Zach Edey is expected to be out longer, which puts pressure on a returning Clarke to fill in.
Ultimately, the Grizzlies have filled out their roster to account for potentially missing any of their top rotational guys. Jock Landale was brought in to provide coverage at the center position, while Santi Aldama and GG Jackson can fill in at power forward. Losing a player like Marvin Bagley, who couldn't play minutes when needed last season, was replaced by players they believe fit Tuomas Iisalo's system the best.