Steven Adams out an additional 4 weeks, per Grizzlies

The Memphis Grizzlies announced on Thursday morning that Steven Adams “underwent a stem cell injection yesterday as he continues his recovery from a PCL sprain in his right knee. Adams will be reevaluated in approximately four weeks.”

Adams has been out of action since January 23rd due to his knee injury that he suffered against the Phoenix Suns the day before. Since that time, the Memphis Grizzlies are 7-11 and have been struggling mightily without him. The offensive execution has been notably off without Adams’ screen-setting ability (among the best in the NBA) as well as his elite offensive rebounding skill (the best in the NBA there). For a team with poor shooting numbers (21st in 2-point conversion percentage, 24th in 3-point, and 30th in free throws) securing as many extra scoring chances as possible matters immensely.

Without Adams, those chances dissipate substantially. That is reflected in his 2nd on the team efficiency differential, not to mention the reality of Adams being the most veteran player on the Memphis roster at this point. His veteran leadership, while likely not enough for such a young team, is still missed terribly – especially during the tough times and “growing pains” the franchise is currently enduring.

While the Grizzlies had significant front court depth entering the season, that is being seriously tested now with Adams out for perhaps the remainder of the regular season and Brandon Clarke beginning his recovery from his torn Achilles. Jaren Jackson Jr., Xavier Tillman, and Santi Aldama are the remaining rotation bigs on the Grizzlies roster (Kenneth Lofton Jr. is a two-way player who may see increased opportunity as well). David Roddy, who has experience as a front court player dating back to his time at Colorado State, could be an answer to filling some minutes at the “4”. Dillon Brooks also may see extended run as a bigger wing who has been tasked with defending “stretch bigs” in the past.

Thanks to savvy roster construction Memphis has players who can physically fill the role that Adams has played. But none of them provide the size, strength, and understanding of body positioning that the “Big Kiwi” possesses.

The bad news continues to hit the Grizzlies. Ja Morant’s absence has been extended at least four more games. The aforementioned Clarke will not be back until almost certainly 2024. And now, Adams will miss most – if not all – of the rest of the lead up to the NBA playoffs.

When it rains, it pours. Memphis will continue to trudge through the seemingly never-ending monsoon tonight at home as the Grizzlies take on the Golden State Warriors. A win would help stop the proverbial bleeding, but without Adams that task both in this game and moving forward has become taller.