Beat reporter urges Grizzlies to pursue veteran big in free agency

The Memphis Grizzlies may have already added more firepower to their frontcourt rotation with their decision to snatch up Zach Edey during this year's NBA Draft, but, considering the lackadaisical state of their big man rotation from last season, they're still being urged to bring on more bodies to bolster their depleted arsenal down low.

To this point, Zach Kleiman and company have been rather quiet during the league's free agency period, but, even though the star names may no longer be on the open market, still available are individuals who deserve attention from the front office.

One player, in particular, who has drawn eyes in his direction from Grind City-based pundits is veteran big Daniel Theis, who, accord to Grizzlies beat reporter Damichael Cole, is someone Memphis should strongly consider pursuing.

Grizzlies beat reporter makes case for potential Daniel Theis pursuit

During a recent episode of Locked on Grizzlies, Cole discussed several players still unsigned in free agency that should be on Kleiman and co.'s "wish list," and headlining the mentioned ballers was Theis, a player who, in his eyes, could be the ideal "third big" behind Jaren Jackson Jr. and Zach Edey.

"Daniel Theis [is a] playoff-proven guy, played big playoff minutes with the Celtics over the years. [He] played with the Pacers, played with the Clippers. One thing that stands out to me, other than the fact that he fits from the standpoint of, you know, Xavier Tillman stood out [measuring in at] 6-8, 6-9 guy but had a long wingspan. Daniel Theis does as well [with a] 7-foot wingspan. He's been a solid defender for most of his NBA career, and [he's] a great positional defender. He's someone who can come into Memphis and be that great third big, potentially someone you need if Zach Edey is struggling in a certain matchup or if a certain guy isn't available he's a guy who can fit and play 10 to 15 game stretches without a huge drop-off [all] for a low cost. The one area that I pointed out is three-point shooting. The ability to stretch the floor as a center would allow him to play alongside any of the other bigs... Again, a nice third big who can knock down occasional corner three-point shots and play strong defense, I'm on board."

Damichael Cole

As suggested earlier, this is not the first time Theis has been linked as a potential free-agent option for the Grizzlies this summer, as even Kelly Iko of The Athletic has gone on record to report the team has shown an interest in pursuing the veteran tweener big.

A seven-year NBA veteran, Theis has played with many successful ball clubs, most notable the Boston Celtics and LA Clippers, and is coming off a 59 game stint with the Clippers in 2023-24 where he posted impressive averages of 6.3 points, 4.1 rebounds, and just shy of a block while shooting 53.6 percent from the floor and 37.1 percent from distance on 1.2 attempts per night.

From his extensive playoff experience to his established inside-out game on both ends of the ball, on a low-cost contract, Daniel Theis could prove to be a solid grab for this playoff hungry Grizzlies team in 2024-25.