Grizzlies projected lineup and rotations heading into 2023-24 season

Memphis Grizzlies starting center: Steven Adams

Steven Adams is one of the strongest and most physically intimidating players in the league and is the enforcer of this team. Last season, he averaged 8.5 points, 11.5 rebounds, 2.3 assists and 1.1 blocks on 60 percent shooting from the floor.

Adams played in half the season and missed the Grizzlies last 36 games as well as the six games in the playoffs against the Lakers. The Grizzlies missed his presence in the lineup for a few reasons, the first being Adams is one of the best offensive rebounders in the game. He averaged 5.1 offensive rebounds per game last season. Those second-chance opportunities always help a team win a game if they can win that by a big margin.

The second reason is that he helps aid Jaren Jackson Jr. on the defensive end. Adams and Jackson may be one of, if not the most, intimidating defensive big men duo in the league. With Jackson’s shot blocking ability and Adams’ strength and physicality, players think twice about coming into the paint.

With Adams being back in the lineup, his presence alone will help fuel the Grizzlies but also he has a killer mindset. He can help lead this team to be a huge threat in the west.

Grizzlies primary backup center: Xavier Tillman

In the absence of Adams last season, Xavier Tillman was the starting center but he will now resume his role as the backup center. Last season, Tillman averaged 7.0 points, 5.0 rebounds, 1.6 assists and 1.0 steals on 61/27/55 shooting splits.

Tillman’s role won’t be that massive as long as Adams and Jackson stay healthy. He will primarily be used to play in the pick-and-roll, grab rebounds and defend the rim. Tillman does all of those at an extremely high level. If Adams or Jackson get hurt, his role would increases again. He is fully prepared for it and the Grizzlies can get by with him as a starting center.

Others who could receive minutes: Jaren Jackson Jr., Santi Aldama, Brandon Clarke