Memphis Grizzlies center Isaiah Stewart had to head off the court during Monday’s preseason opener against the Atlanta Hawks after taking a hard fall. The big man appeared to slip and go down hard after challenging a shot right at the rim, limping off the court under his own power before making his way to the locker room. Talk about a brutal start to the preseason, right?
Stewart was a summer acquisition for the Grizzlies, brought in to add some much-needed depth to their center rotation. He’d spent his first five seasons tearing it up with the Detroit Pistons, so bringing that experience and grit to Memphis was a big move for them. Losing him, even for a moment in preseason, just stings, especially when you’re trying to integrate a new piece.
This whole situation puts an early spotlight on the Grizzlies’ frontcourt. Their projected starting center, Zach Edey, has been fully cleared for all basketball activities and he’s been practicing with the squad. But here’s the kicker: Edey wasn’t even available for that preseason opener. So with Stewart now potentially sidelined after that fall, it makes you wonder what Memphis is going to do to shore up the middle in these early games. They brought Stewart in for depth, and now that depth is getting tested instantly.
The Grizzlies are going to be sweating on any update for Stewart. With Edey only just back to full activities and already sitting out, they need their new guys healthy and on the court. It’s only preseason, sure, but a knock like this can set the tone for the entire early season for a team looking to build chemistry. Keep an eye on the injury reports, Memphis fans, because the center situation just got a whole lot more interesting, and maybe a little nerve-wracking.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
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