The Memphis Grizzlies are dealing with significant setbacks in their upcoming season.
Ja Morant will be out for 25 games due to an injury, and now, another key player, Brandon Clarke, might sit out the entire 2023-24 season.
Brandon Clarke recently had a clean-up procedure on his left Achilles tendon, and there's uncertainty about his return.
Grizzlies' general manager, Zach Kleiman, described the procedure as elective, but it's unclear when Clarke will be back on the court.
The team is hopeful that Clarke will return as a productive NBA player, but they won't set a firm timetable, raising the possibility of him sitting out the whole season.
Clarke, known for his impact off the bench, averaged 10.0 points and 5.5 rebounds per game last season before rupturing his Achilles in March.
Typically, NBA players take 10-12 months to recover from Achilles injuries, but Clarke's second procedure may extend his timeline.
While the Grizzlies are getting Steven Adams back from injury, the uncertainty surrounding Clarke presents another challenge for the team.