The Memphis Grizzlies kicked off NBA free agency frenzy with a flurry of moves to keep their core intact, while addressing a need in the backcourt with the signing of Ty Jerome. However, one of their biggest needs wasn't addressed and became a strength for their divisional foes shortly after their moves.
Center became a position of need when Zach Edey had ankle surgery from an offseason injury shortly after the end of the Grizzlies' season. They have alternatives to help ease the blow slightly until they know he can return, but relying heavily on a second-year pro who's returning from injury isn't advised for a team looking to contend.
While center isn't Jaren Jackson Jr.'s primary or preferred position, the turf toe injury he suffered and had surgery on following his extension could possibly keep the team without their starting frontcourt to begin next season. It isn't ruled out that Edey and Jackson Jr. won't be available to begin next season, but the Grizzlies must be proactive for backup help after watching their rivals improve in that area.
The Southwest division is stacked up at center
The Grizzlies share a division with teams with star-level players in the frontcourt, with San Antonio's Victor Wembanyama, Houston's Alperen Sengun, and Dallas' Anthony Davis. In addition to Wembanyama, the San Antonio Spurs added former Boston Celtics center Luke Kornet for additional depth.
The Houston Rockets already extended backup center Steven Adams before free agency and followed it up by signing Clint Capela. The Dallas Mavericks extended Daniel Gafford to keep their frontcourt in place and the New Orleans Pelicans signed Kevon Looney to provide help to their starter Yves Missi.
As currently constructed, the Grizzlies' frontcourt matches up well with Jackson Jr., Edey, Brandon Clarke, and Santi Aldama when healthy. However, health is a real question for three of those players, and Jay Huff is the only remaining true big on the roster behind those players.
They made the right move by getting a bargain on Ty Jerome to add additional ball handling and shooting in the backcourt to offset their losses of Desmond Bane and Luke Kennard. But three of the centers that many had them pegged to look at signing have signed within their division at the worst time for them with their injury concerns.
The Grizzlies have a full roster, but have players that can be utilized in a trade to acquire either a full-time starting-level center, or a center capable of starting for a month or so as they await the return of their starters. The team got great news that Jaren Jackson Jr. will be reevaluated before training camp, but they need to address this situation sooner to avoid their fate to begin the 2023 season when former star Steven Adams was ruled out for the season two days before the season began.