The Memphis Grizzlies head coach Taylor Jenkins has confirmed that the team's center, Steven Adams, is unlikely to participate in the playoffs this year. This is a disappointment for many Grizzlies fans.
Adrian Wojnarowski first reported this news, and Jenkins reaffirmed it during Tuesday's practice. Although Adams reportedly wants to play, the team is consulting with doctors over the next few weeks to determine the best course of action for his rehabilitation.
ESPN Sources: Memphis Grizzlies center Steven Adams is likely to miss the postseason with his injured right knee. Adams, who underwent a stem cell injection a month ago, has been out with a PCL sprain since late January. pic.twitter.com/VtMnKhlHFq
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) April 8, 2023
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Adams' Recovery Had Not Progressed
Adams injured his right knee's PCL while diving for a loose ball in the final moments of a game against the Phoenix Suns on January 22. He received a stem cell injection on March 9 and was scheduled for a re-evaluation in four weeks. However, a follow-up MRI conducted on April 3 showed that Adams was not ready to return to play.
Jenkins clarified that there had been no regression or re-injury but that the recovery had not progressed as anticipated during the evaluation.
To bolster their frontcourt depth, the Grizzlies signed rookie forward Kenneth Lofton Jr. to a multi-year contract after losing Brandon Clarke to a torn Achilles.
Lofton had a successful season with the Memphis Hustle, the Grizzlies G-League affiliate, averaging 20.2 points and 10.4 rebounds and being named the G-League's Rookie of the Year.
In his first career start in NBA, Lofton scored an impressive 42 points and grabbed 14 rebounds in a losing effort against the Oklahoma City Thunder.
The Grizzlies will begin their playoff campaign on April 16 against the winner of Tuesday's play-in game between the Los Angeles Lakers and Minnesota Timberwolves.
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