Grizzlies Injury Update: Is Brandon Clarke Suiting Up This NBA Season?

(Photo : Lachlan Cunningham/Getty Images) SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA - JANUARY 25: Ja Morant #12 of the Memphis Grizzlies celebrates with Brandon Clarke #15 after a basket in the third quarter against the Golden State Warriors at Chase Center.

The Memphis Grizzlies will enter the 2023-24 NBA season with lots of questions on manpower.

Already dealing with the 25-game suspension of Ja Morant, the Grizzlies may be without another player in Brandon Clarke.

The 27-year-old forward reportedly underwent a clean-up procedure on his left Achilles tendon that was reportedly elective and suggested by doctors, according to Grizzlies general manager Zach Kleiman (via Tim McMahon of ESPN when he appeared on “The Hoop Collective” podcast.

It was added, however, that there is a chance that Clarke could still return this season. But looking at it from a long-term perspective, Memphis is expected to take a cautious approach on Clarke's condition. Hence, there is a chance he may sit out the entire 2023-24 NBA season, Sports Illustrated reported.

Steven Adams on the mend

This development delivers a huge blow for the Grizzlies, particularly in the front court. Steven Adams is also working his way back from an injury and has already gotten clearance at training camp.

However, like Clarke, the team will be conservative as far as fielding in the 30-year-old big man.

The Grizzlies will be in for a tough start with Morant and Clarke not around to start the season.

Marcus Smart and Derrick Rose will be tasked to lead the way but head coach Taylor Jenkins will have to provide the veteran guards much-needed help – at least for the first 25 games as Morant serves out his suspension.