After the Grizzlies' 2024-25 season ended disappointingly, their offseason delivered a haymaker to begin the festivities. Zach Edey was named to the NBA All-Rookie first team and played his best down the stretch of the regular season, but suffered his fourth ankle sprain since July last year in an offseason training session.
He elected to have surgery to re-stabilize his left ankle and is expected to miss some time at the beginning of the 2025-26 regular season. His will be reevaluated in October, so the team will have a clearer timeline at that time. His absence leaves a void in their starting lineup, increasing the pressure on the following players to step up.
1. Brandon Clarke
The Grizzlies' top reserve big man, who started 18 games in place of Zach Edey last season, will likely be the top option to start at center. He is undersized at 6'8," but his athleticism makes up for his height deficiency and his switchability to guard on the perimeter on defense.
However, Clarke is returning from a high-grade PCL sprain he suffered in March and ended his season prematurely. He is expected to make a full recovery before the start of the regular season, but no update has been provided since it was announced at the end of March. Also, the injury status of Jaren Jackson Jr. will determine how effective Clarke can be as he plays best when paired with him in the frontcourt.
2. Jock Landale
Jay Huff was traded to the Indiana Pacers in July to make room for the Grizzlies to sign Jock Landale, adding a player who most closely resembles the same production as Zach Edey. The 6'11" bruising big man spent his last two seasons with the Houston Rockets in a reserve role and provides value as a screener and rebounder. He hasn't played more than 14 minutes per game in any of his four NBA seasons, so he will likely remain in that range if Brandon Clarke is ready to go to begin the regular season.
3. Santi Aldama
The 7'0" forward, who is coming off his best NBA season, isn't regarded or suited as a true big man. Aldama has spent time starting at small forward and power forward in the past, so his value as a starter will only come true if Jaren Jackson Jr. isn't available. If Jackson Jr. is ready at the start of the season, a lineup of those two has produced well in spurts, but shouldn't be trusted for long periods as a starting unit.