Will injured Derrick Rose and Ziaire Williams return next season for Memphis Grizzlies?
Recent injuries to Memphis Grizzlies players have created precarious possibilities compared to the season-ending injuries suffered by star players like Ja Morant and Desmond Bane.
With Morant, Bane, Brandon Clarke and Marcus Smart, there were little to no questions about their futures on the roster. Now, with Derrick Rose and Ziaire Williams facing uphill battles to return this season, their statuses with Memphis are in question.
Both players are under contract for next season, but Memphis is in a much different position than it was at the beginning of the season. Multiple centers have been traded, creating a need to acquire depth in the frontcourt. Players like Lamar Stevens and Scotty Pippen Jr. have been impressive enough in spurts to make Memphis consider having them on the 15-man roster next season.
Rose will be re-evaluated in three weeks due to a groin injury. Williams is expected to be re-evaluated in four weeks after dealing with a hip flexor strain and lower back soreness.
A lot of questions still remain on the value each player brings to the Grizzlies.
Grizzlies contract status
Both Rose and Williams have one more season remaining on their contracts. Rose will make more than $3.3 million on a veteran’s minimum deal, while Williams will earn $6.1 million in the final season of his rookie contract. That’s up from $4.8 million this season.
Memphis will have one open roster spot with Stevens headed for free agency. Considering that Stevens is making a case to return and Memphis also owns what should be a lottery pick in the 2024 NBA Draft, it will need to open a roster spot somewhere via trade or waiving a player to create space for any additional moves.
Will Derrick Rose return to Grizzlies?
Rose embraced the opportunity to play in Memphis after finishing his New York Knicks career on the bench, but the reason he was signed by the Grizzlies was because of his veteran experience. The Grizzlies had been one of the NBA’s youngest teams in the past two seasons, including Morant. Many Memphis players have been vocal about Rose’s impact as a leader.
Bringing Rose back makes sense if Memphis values his presence in the locker room, but he shouldn’t be expected to play heavy minutes. Rose has played in 24 games this season. He hasn't been active for more than five consecutive games.
Pippen’s progress is the biggest key to watch. If he continues to show promise as a scorer and facilitator when he returns from a back injury, that makes Rose’s spot more expendable. Waiving Rose wouldn’t be too costly.
Will Ziaire Williams get another chance?
An argument can be made that the second half of the NBA season was as important for Williams as any player on the Grizzlies. The former top-10 pick has dealt with injuries and inconsistent play, but he was finally getting an expanded opportunity. Williams averaged 12.5 points on 45% shooting in February.
Williams’ best basketball has come while sharing the floor with Morant. His contract makes him unlikely to be waived, so a trade partner would be needed if Memphis wants to part ways with the 6-foot-9 wing.
The Grizzlies traded David Roddy to clear space with the logjam on the wing. If Stevens continues to play well, the Grizzlies could be choosing between re-signing him or trading Williams.
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This article originally appeared on Memphis Commercial Appeal: Could injured Derrick Rose, Ziaire Williams return to Memphis Grizzlies?
