What Bismack Biyombo brings to the Memphis Grizzlies
Veteran center Bismack Biyombo is signing with the Memphis Grizzlies, per The Athletic's Shams Charania, now that Ja Morant's suspension has hit 5 games. What should he bring to this team?
Writer’s note: Stephen PridGeon, a Phoenix Suns staff writer for SB Nation’s Bright Side of the Sun, spoke with me about Bismack Biyombo’s potential fit and impact with the Memphis Grizzlies. Follow his work on X (fka, Twitter) @StayTrueSDot3.
Since Steven Adams’ season-ending surgery news, it’s been evident that the Memphis Grizzlies need another frontcourt presence. It became crystal clear in the season opener when the Pelicans out-rebounded them by 15, and other instances of crucial offensive rebounds given up through this stretch.
After the Grizzlies’ loss to the Washington Wizards on Saturday night, The Athletic’s Shams Charania reported that Memphis planned to sign Bismack Biyombo once granted a roster spot exemption after Morant’s 5th game of his suspension.
If you’re a Grizzlies fan that wanted someone on the roster to help in the frontcourt, Biyombo was probably the best option in free agency. Last season with the Suns, through 61 games, he averaged 4.3 rebounds and 1.4 blocks in 14.3 minutes per game — equating to 10.7 rebounds and 3.6 blocks per 36 minutes.
Biyombo may not ultimately “save the season,” but he should help the team do the dirty work.
Defensively, he’s a menace as a rim protector. Though only 6’8”, he makes up for it with a 7’7” wingspan — using his length and impeccable timing to deter shots at the rim.
Good feet in tandem with a 7'6 wingspan, and really good hands enable him ability to keep guys in front and get up solid contests. He has great anticipatory skill and a motor that is a weapon, but the double edge to it is that he can be prone to fouls as a result.
Biyombo’s energy and activity is needed for this Grizzlies team just looking to create some chaos that parlays into momentum. It helps him be an asset when defending in space to muck up pick-and-roll actions.
Biyombo came in and immediately gave a change of pace, as well as defensive activity in the front court. At his foundation was defensive versatility, and activity whether he was in drop, flat hedging at the level, or hedging out on screens.
Offensively, again it boils down to the dirty work. He’s ultimately a net negative offensive player — never sporting an offensive box plus/minus greater than 0 in his career. He’s not a creator by any means. Don’t ask him to shoot — the last time it happened, we got a viral commentary moment. His hands could be made of stone.
Where he adds value offensively comes with the dirty work (once again). His screening won’t be of Steven Adams’ level, but he generates a solid amount of screen assists. He ranked 6th last season in screen assists per 75 possessions (6.0), per The B-Ball Index.
The unique opportunity he has with Memphis to fill a void, is in screening. He's a fairly decent screener that possesses ability to roll and provide vertical spacing. Adams is maybe the best screener in the NBA, so having a frenetic Biyombo to take some of those reps should stand out in spurts.
Biyombo’s energy translates to the offensive glass, as he grabbed 3.8 offensive rebounds per 75 possessions — 90th percentile, per The B-Ball Index.
Yes, the Grizzlies need offense — among other things. Biyombo doesn’t provide an offensive punch, nor does he drastically elevate this team’s ceiling, but he’ll do the little things that ease a bit of responsibilities off a Jaren Jackson Jr. and Xavier Tillman frontcourt.
Through this storm though, Biyombo is another veteran to add to the fold. He’s someone with experience that provides a level of composure to a team just looking to get out of this rut and back into the win column.
Biyombo is a guy that has gravity and leadership due to his work ethic. He can win over the attention of a brain trust because of how hard he works, and do the same with teammates. He's a great fit for this rendition of the Grit n Grind that is synonymous with Memphis.
So yes, Bismack Biyombo won’t save the season, but chances are he helps the team in areas that they’re struggling in and he’s good in — rebounding, rim protection, and second-chance opportunities.
We’ll see how Biyombo looks and gels with this system. If he shows why teams didn’t sign him over the offseason, they can cut their ties in Game 26 for Ja Morant’s return. If he’s providing value, they can free up a roster spot and keep him for the remainder of the season.
Bottom line, this Memphis Grizzlies needs help wherever they can find it. Let’s see what Bismack Biyombo has to offer.
If you choose to support my Substack, SubTsakalidis — aka “SubTsak” — follow this link to my Allie’s Allies St. Jude fundraiser page. If you choose to subscribe, all proceeds will go towards St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.