The Memphis Grizzlies have aggressively signed center Quinten Post to a three-year contract, a move designed to solidify their frontcourt depth for the upcoming NBA season.
Post arrives as a player the Grizzlies specifically targeted. They structured his contract to make it difficult for his former team, the Golden State Warriors, to match the offer. With training camp approaching, his role is becoming clearer. Zach Edey is the projected starting center, but he's recovering from multiple ankle surgeries. Isaiah Stewart, acquired via trade from Detroit, brings more NBA experience and is likely the primary backup.
Post gives Memphis a third viable option, a luxury they lacked last season. His specific skill set offers something different. While Edey and Stewart are capable shooters, shooting is one of Post's best assets. He's a career 36.4% three-point shooter on over four attempts per game. This outside threat could allow coach Taylor Jenkins to experiment with bigger, floor-spacing lineups during the preseason.
His ability to stretch the floor is the main path to playing time. Memphis could explore playing two of their three centers together, with Stewart having some experience at power forward. Post's offensive playmaking and shooting might let him operate as a stretch-four on offense at times. This lineup versatility is a new weapon for a team looking to improve after finishing last season with consecutive heavy defeats, including a 147-101 loss to Utah and a 136-119 loss to Denver.
All three big men have shown rim-protecting ability. The preseason will be key for testing combinations. Putting Stewart and Post on the floor together could be an experiment to see if their skills complement each other. The Grizzlies' investment in Post suggests they see real value, not only a deep bench piece.
Despite his shooting touch, Post has clear areas for development that limited his role in Golden State. Rebounding and lateral agility are the primary concerns. In his two-year career, he has averaged just 3.8 rebounds in 16.9 minutes per game. His offensive rebound percentage was 6.4% last season. For comparison, Edey posted a 16.1% offensive rebound percentage last year.
This rebounding gap is significant. Defensively, Post's limited lateral quickness makes guarding power forwards on the perimeter a tough ask. He operates better in the paint, where he can use his size at the center spot. The more space he's required to cover defensively, the more challenging it becomes. His shooting must remain consistent to offset these defensive limitations.
The Grizzlies' center group is undoubtedly stronger than it was. Edey provides the interior presence, Stewart brings toughness and experience, and Post adds a unique spacing element. How Jenkins manages their minutes and health, especially with Edey's recovery, will be a storyline to watch.
