Grizzlies plan to sign Bismack Biyombo, per report

A few hours after the Grizzlies lost their third straight game to start the season, the news that many have anticipated since last Sunday finally seems to be occurring.

Per Shams Charania, the Grizzlies are planning to sign veteran big man Bismack Biyombo. However, the move will not be official until the sixth game of the season, as the Grizzlies will be granted a roster exception for the final 20 games of Ja Morant’s suspension. Biyombo has been in the league for over a decade, mainly as a reserve but also has experience as a starter for significant stretches at different times.

This move is obviously needed, with Steven Adams out for the season, Brandon Clarke out until at least 2024, and Santi Aldama currently dealing with an ankle injury. While Jaren Jackson Jr. and Xavier Tillman have done well as a frontcourt duo in the starting lineup, the lack of depth behind them has been a glaring hole for the Grizzlies roster through their first three games. While Biyombo should not be considered more than decent bench depth, he should at least make an impact when it comes to rebounding and protecting the rim. Even if he only plays 10-15 minutes a game, his help in those areas could be significant when the Grizzlies starters are resting.

Among players who have played at least 2500 minutes over the past three years, the Grizzlies now feature two of the top five producers when it comes to block percentage in Jackson Jr. and Biyombo. Sure, the Grizzlies biggest needs are better offensive starts and defending the three, but if Biyombo can help limit the points while Jackson Jr. and/or Tillman rest, he will prove to be a valuable signing.

As for his future with the Grizzlies, that will be determined over the next six weeks. Once Morant returns, roster decisions will likely need to be made. If Biyombo is clearly providing value in areas of weakness for the Grizzlies once Morant returns, it will be hard not to retain him as depth for the rest of the season.