Entering the 2025 offseason, the Memphis Grizzlies' biggest hole to address was their wing rotation. However, the team announced that NBA All-Rookie first-team center Zach Edey suffered an ankle injury in a workout this week and required surgery. His injury timeline is unknown at the moment, but ESPN's Shams Charania reported that Edey will likely miss the start of the 2025-26 NBA season.
This will be the second consecutive season the Grizzlies lost an NBA All-Rookie team member entering his sophomore season to injury. GG Jackson missed the first half of last season with a broken foot injury following his All-Rookie second team accomplishment during the 2023-24 season.
With numerous concerns in the Grizzlies' frontcourt due to injuries and impending free agents, the team will have to address additional concerns following a disappointing end to their 2024-25 campaign.
Frontcourt depth should shift to the top of their priority list
As things stand right now, the Grizzlies only have Jaren Jackson Jr. and Jay Huff under contract in the frontcourt, who are definitely expected to be healthy when next season begins. Top reserve big man Brandon Clarke suffered a high-grade PCL sprain in his right knee in March that caused him to miss the rest of the season. He is expected to make a full recovery ahead of next season after electing not to have surgery.
Santi Aldama is an unrestricted free agent this offseason, and is considered more of a tweener between the forward positions than a big man despite his 6'11" height. Marvin Bagley III is an unrestricted free agent after playing 15 total games for the Grizzlies following a trade deadline deal from the Washington Wizards.
Edey's latest setback places pressure on Memphis to address its frontcourt after losing its starting center. While his timeline remains unknown until after he undergoes surgery, knowing he will be out to begin next season is already a blow to the Grizzlies. It puts added pressure on Brandon Clarke to be ready to go to start next season, and consider bringing Marvin Bagley III back on a lesser deal.
They shouldn't readjust their whole offseason plan to cater to their frontcourt depth, however, it becomes the highest priority after determining Jaren Jackson Jr.'s contract extension and Santi Aldama's free agency. Zach Edey led the team in rebounding average (8.3) and was second in blocks per game (1.3) in 55 starts this season.