By Johnny Askounis/ info@eurohoops.net
Steven Adams has been ruled out for the entire 2023-24 NBA Regular Season.
The Memphis Grizzlies updated the status of the experienced center on Sunday.
Per the press release: “Grizzlies center Steven Adams will undergo season-ending surgery on his right posterior cruciate ligament, after non-operative rehabilitation did not resolve ongoing knee instability. Adams is expected to make a full recovery ahead of the next season.”
Adams, 30, tallied 8.6 points, 11.5 rebounds, 2.3 assists, 1.1 blocks, and 0.9 steals per contest until being forced to the sidelines in January and eventually missing the rest of his second campaign in Memphis. He joined the organization via trade before the 2021-22 season and penned a contract extension before the 2022-23 season, committing until the end of the 2024-25 season.
The Grizzlies were already shorthanded. Brandon Clarke is out indefinitely with a torn Achilles since March and Ja Morant is set to serve a 25-game suspension. Spanish forward/center Santi Aldama and teammates striving to counter multiple issues will be a challenge, hoping to take advantage of the opportunity for additional playing time.
Adams spent seven years with the Oklahoma City Thunder before being traded to the New Orleans Pelicans in 2020 and to the Grizzlies in 2021. His NBA experience consists of 772 games played, including 66 in the Playoffs.
At the international level, the former Pittsburgh standout is eligible to play for New Zealand but has not suited up for the senior national team.
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