The Memphis Grizzlies have suffered an early preseason setback, announcing that new center Isaiah Stewart will miss at least two weeks with a moderate left ankle sprain. Stewart sustained the injury contesting a shot in the first quarter of the team's 132-123 preseason win over the Atlanta Hawks on Oct. 5. His absence covers the rest of the preseason slate and will keep him out of the regular-season opener on Oct. 21.
Stewart went down early in his Grizzlies debut. The injury occurred during the opening quarter of the preseason contest against the Atlanta Hawks on Oct. 5. He was contesting a shot at the rim, a play that typifies the physical style he's known for. Team medical staff diagnosed a moderate sprain, and a re-evaluation is scheduled in two weeks.
This timeline rules him out for the Grizzlies' final preseason games, including their next fixture at home against the Charlotte Hornets on Oct. 16. He'll also miss opening night against the Utah Jazz. The Grizzlies have continued their preseason schedule without him, most recently beating the Chicago Bulls 104-100 on Oct. 9 after a 122-118 loss to the Orlando Magic on Oct. 7.
Stewart's arrival was a major part of the Grizzlies' offseason identity shift. Acquired from Detroit in a draft-day trade, he's on the books for $15 million this season with a team option for 2027-28. He averaged 10.0 points, 5.0 rebounds, and 1.6 blocks per game last year. More than stats, the team brought him in to re-establish a defensive mindset.
On media day, Stewart explicitly said he wants to bring the "Grit and Grind" identity back to Memphis. "When you think of Memphis for me it's the grit and grind, and I thought I made a career off that," Stewart said. General manager Zach Kleiman agreed, stating Stewart was brought in specifically "to set the right tone with this group." Missing time disrupts his ability to immediately imprint that culture on the court.
The immediate focus is handling the final preseason stretch without their projected starting center. The team's upcoming schedule, viewable on our schedule page, continues with the Hornets game. Coaches will use these games to evaluate other frontcourt options. Stewart's mentorship role for rookie Cam Boozer, the No. 3 overall pick, is also paused.
Long-term, the Grizzlies need Stewart healthy to anchor their defense. Last season's 25-win record highlighted a need for toughness. Stewart's contract shows investment in him as a core piece for this rebuild. His recovery progress over the next fortnight will be closely monitored. The goal is a full return to practice and integration into the lineup as the young team, led by Ja Morant and Jaren Jackson Jr., aims to climb the standings. His physical presence in the paint is a non-negotiable part of that plan.
