Memphis Grizzlies center Steven Adams will undergo season-ending on his right knee after non-operative rehabilitation did not resolve ongoing knee instability, the team announced Sunday. Adams is expected to make a full recovery ahead of the 2024-25 season.
The @memgrizz today provided the following medical update: pic.twitter.com/dQnm8jUp9s
— Grizzlies PR (@GrizzliesPR) October 22, 2023
Adams sprained the posterior cruciate ligament in his right knee last January. That injury forced him to miss the remainder of 2022-23 season and the playoffs.
What this means? Not having Adams for the entire season adds yet another challenge for the Grizzlies heading into 2023-24. They are already without star guard Ja Morant (25-game league suspension) and big man Brandon Clarke (Achilles rehab).
The 6-foot-11 Adams had been a strong rebounder and defender for the team. He seemed on target to return this season until the surgery announcement.
Last season before the big man got hurt, Memphis ranked second in rebound percentage and offensive rebound percentage. After his injury, they were 25th in the former and 22nd in the latter. Go deeper.
He joined the Grizzlies at the start of the 2021-22 season. He spent one season in New Orleans (2020-21) after leaving Oklahoma City where he played his first seven years in the league. Adams has averaged 8.6 points, 11.5 rebounds and 2.3 assists in his 10-year career.