Can newly signed Bismack Biyombo be the boost the winless Memphis Grizzlies need?
Center and power forward were once the deepest positions on the Memphis Grizzlies' roster. The current starting center was fifth in the rotation of Grizzlies big men.
Times have changed on an injury-riddled roster, and that's where the addition of free agent signing Bismack Biyombo could provide a boost. The Grizzlies officially announced the addition of Biyombo after Wednesday's 133-109 blowout loss to the Utah Jazz.
Memphis (0-5) was able to sign Biyombo after being allowed to place Ja Morant on the suspension exempt list.
The Grizzlies had been expected to pursue a guard with the added spot, but injuries to Steven Adams and Santi Aldama have forced a pivot.
Xavier Tillman Sr. and Jaren Jackson Jr. have rotated and played most of the minutes at center. Simply put, it's not a sustainable strategy to stagger minutes at the 5 between the starting power forward and center.
Biyombo, 31, is entering his 13th NBA season playing for his fifth team (the others being Charlotte, Toronto, Orlando and Phoenix). He has spent most of his career as a reserve and spot starter, but you don't survive 13 years in the best professional league without having a definitive role.
Here's how he can help the Grizzlies.
More depth throughout the roster
Biyombo's presence will ease the load on Tillman and Jackson, though he won't add anywhere close to Jackson's offense. Biyombo, 6-foot-8 and 255 pounds, has never averaged more than six points per game in a season, but his value goes beyond that. He's a strong defensive presence that could fit in lineups with Jackson and Aldama.
When Aldama returns, the Grizzlies can go back to a four-man rotation at power forward and center of players with the size and experience that coach Taylor Jenkins prefers. Memphis has had to play small-ball 4s without Aldama and with Jackson spending more time at center. Biyombo's presence allows the Grizzlies to use Jackson's center minutes as an asset more than a necessity.
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Block party on Beale Street
One of Biyombo's best attributes is swatting the ball out of the air. Pairing him in stretches with Jackson could create a Beale Street block party.
Last season with the Phoenix Suns, Biyombo averaged 1.4 blocks per game in 14.3 minutes. That would be good for 3.6 blocks per 36 minutes. To put that in perspective, Jackson averaged 3.8 blocks per 36 minutes last season en route to leading the NBA in blocks per game and winning the Defensive Player of the Year award.
The Grizzlies are already built to limit paint scoring. With Tillman, Jackson and Biyombo, that will get only tougher for opponents.
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Additional rebounding help
Arguably the biggest voids left by Adams are his rebounding and screening ability. Biyombo should help in both of those areas.
Biyombo averaged 5.1 screen assists last season in 14.3 minutes. Tillman averaged 5.7 screen assists in 19.3 minutes and Adams finished with 12.6 per game in 27 minutes. A step below Adams, but potentially a level up from the Grizzlies' current best options.
The same can be said for rebounding. Biyombo averaged 10.7 rebounds per 36 minutes last season. Tillman's number was similar at 10.2, but the difference was Biyombo's 3.7 offensive rebounds per game to Tillman's 2.9.
It remains to be seen how long Biyombo will hang around, but the winless Grizzlies need depth and a boost. His experience could provide both.
This article originally appeared on Memphis Commercial Appeal: What newly signed Bismack Biyombo can do for winless Memphis Grizzlies
