#3. Brooklyn Nets
The Brooklyn Nets relied on Nic Claxton and Day’Ron Sharpe in the NBA playoffs against the Philadelphia 76ers. They were swept by the Sixers even with Joel Embiid sitting out in Game 4.
Granted the Nets will not face Embiid all the time, but Claxton and Sharpe will need reinforcement. Sharpe has reportedly been excited about the "competition" at center. He may have his best season in the NBA yet.
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Brooklyn’s playoff hopes will depend on Mikal Bridges, Cameron Johnson and Spencer Dinwiddie. Getting to the postseason will be even more difficult without depth in their frontline.
#2. Memphis Grizzlies
The Memphis Grizzlies starting frontcourt of Steven Adams and Jaren Jackson Jr. is one of the best in the NBA. Adams’ impact on the team’s rebounding is often overlooked. Jackson Jr. is the Defensive Player of the Year for a reason. An injury to both could mean another disappointing year for the team.
Behind them, the Grizzlies are quite thin. Memphis employed the “JJJ” and Santi Aldama pairing to mixed results last season. Aldama is expected to take another step this season but that remains to be seen. Xavier Tillman was exposed in the playoffs.
A veteran big man who could give quality minutes could be a necessity for the Memphis Grizzlies.
#1. Phoenix Suns
Deandre Ayton looked out of his league against Nikola Jokic in last season’s playoffs. More than being outplayed, it was his lack of hustle and effort that infuriated Phoenix Suns fans.
Phoenix’s salary cap situation meant that they could not be choosy for a backup big man. Still, the depth behind Ayton is worrying. The Suns will count on Drew Eubanks and Chimezie Metu to relieve Ayton. New coach Frank Vogel could also throw in Bol Bol if needed.
Maybe the firepower that Kevin Durant, Devin Booker, Bradley Beal and Ayton will just eventually overwhelm opponents. But, they may also meet the Denver Nuggets or the LA Lakers in the NBA playoffs, which would be trouble for their frontline.
Grizzlies Nation! You can check out the latest Memphis Grizzlies Schedule and dive into the Grizzlies Depth Chart for NBA Season 2024-25.