The Memphis Grizzlies didn't waste time on choosing which position group needed the most help with their signing of Charles Bassey. With a 2-1 record three games into the 2025-26 regular season, Bassey joins the team on a 10-day contract as part of a hardship exception to stabilize a frontcourt rotation that has struggled without Zach Edey and Brandon Clarke.
Jock Landale has been the Grizzlies' starting center and will likely retain the role moving forward until Zach Edey is available to return. However, his defensive struggles, specifically his lack of rim protection, made the team's choice of picking between a big man or an additional ball handler an easy decision. With a two-game West Coast road trip on the horizon, Bassey joins the team to provide depth with potential to capitalize on an opportunity to remain on the roster if all goes well.
Can Bassey really remain past his 10-day contract?
The Grizzlies' current frontcourt rotation consists of Jaren Jackson Jr., Jock Landale, Santi Aldama, and wing players Cedric Coward, John Konchar, and Olivier-Maxence Prosper, mixing in time at power forward. Rookie point guard Javon Small and second-year guard Cam Spencer stabilized a backcourt rotation that is missing Ty Jerome and Scotty Pippen Jr., proving their depth in the frontcourt could stand to have an add-on.
Zach Edey's projected earliest return on his injury timeline is a little after Bassey's 10-day contract expires, providing him at least five opportunities to either stick on the roster or sign another 10-day contract if Edey remains out. The Grizzlies finally won a rebounding battle and prevented a crazy amount of points in the paint against the Indiana Pacers, and figure to not have much trouble in that department against a small Warriors lineup.
Regardless, Bassey is brought in to ensure they can keep that momentum going, and if he succeeds during however long his time lasts, there is an opportunity for him to remain on the team for the entire season. With a full roster, the Grizzlies would have to waive someone to keep Bassey aboard, and it appears to be a path towards making that happen.
But first, Charles Bassey has to prove it on the court. There is promise in the 6'10" big man who recorded 17 rebounds in his final preseason game with the Atlanta Hawks on October 13th. He also blocked five shots in that game, so if he can bring anything near that kind of production to the Grizzlies' frontcourt, things can get interesting in the coming weeks.