Memphis Grizzlies center Steven Adams will be sidelined for the entire season as he undergoes surgery on the posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) in his right knee. The announcement was made by the team on Sunday, stating that Adams’ ongoing knee instability could not be resolved through non-operative rehabilitation.
The towering center has not played a regular-season game for the Grizzlies since sustaining the injury in January. Despite initial hopes that he would only miss a few weeks, Adams’ absence stretched throughout the entirety of the 2022-23 season. Now, with the decision to undergo surgery, his recovery timeline extends even further.
The Grizzlies organization remains optimistic that Adams will make a complete recovery and be ready for the 2024-25 season. The team is undoubtedly feeling the impact of Adams’ absence, as they are already dealing with an undermanned roster. Guard Ja Morant is currently serving a 25-game suspension for violating league rules by brandishing a handgun on social media. In addition, power forward Brandon Clarke is out due to an Achilles tendon injury.
Adams’ absence will undoubtedly leave a void in the Grizzlies’ frontcourt. The 30-year-old has been a reliable presence since joining the team in the 2021 offseason, averaging 7.5 points and 10.6 rebounds per game. His physicality and rebounding prowess have been instrumental in the Grizzlies’ success.
The New Zealand native had a promising start in the preseason, playing in two games and scoring nine points while grabbing 10 rebounds in a total of 27 minutes. However, it became evident that his knee instability persisted, leading to the decision to pursue surgical intervention.
Adams’ contract with the Grizzlies runs through the 2024-25 season. He signed a two-year, $25.2 million extension during the previous year’s training camp, highlighting the team’s commitment to him.
The news of Adams’ surgery and season-long absence is a blow to the Grizzlies and their fans. However, the team remains hopeful that he will make a full recovery and return to the court in the next season. In the meantime, the Grizzlies will need to rely on their depth and find ways to compensate for his absence.
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Source: ESPN