Memphis Grizzlies center Isaiah Stewart is still being evaluated after suffering an ankle injury Oct. 5 against the Atlanta Hawks, coach Tuomas Iisalo said Oct. 6.
Stewart did not practice with the team ahead of its upcoming game against the Orlando Magic and will not play, Iisalo said.
Stewart injury changes Grizzlies’ center rotation
Stewart’s injury is a tough blow for Memphis in more ways than one.
He provides the Grizzlies with rim protection, screen setting and a veteran voice in the locker room. Memphis will now lack depth at center.
The Grizzlies continue to monitor Zach Edey,who has not played in the preseason. Memphis remains committed to having Edey available for the regular-season opener against the Utah Jazz on Oct. 21 at FedExForum (7 p.m. CT, DAZN).
Without Edey and Stewart, Quinten
Post will continue to receive most of the minutes at center. Memphis will also mix in power forward Taylor Hendricks and two-way center Carson Cooper.
“With Stew out, there’s going to be some mixing and matching,” Iisalo said. “Always trying to do what’s best for the team. Whether it’s trying to find new lineups or stabilize those.”
Iisalo wants more from Grizzlies
Memphis got off to a roaring start in the preseason with a 132-123 win over Atlanta.The offensive numbers were impressive and spread throughout the lineup.
As encouraging as the performance was, Iisalo was not satisfied.
Memphis plans to use this week of preseason games to evaluate where the team stands before having a week of practice ahead of its Oct. 16 preseason finale against the Charlotte Hornets.
One area of emphasis remains the halfcourt offense, where Iisalo wants players to think less and be more proactive and quick with their decisions.
“Players are obviously not robots," Iisalo said. "Robots make for very bad basketball players because they always do the same thing. In our best possessions during my time here and some of the best possessions from the first preseason game, putting pressure on the defense is still keeping the options open.”
Desmond Bane returns to Memphis
Former Grizzlies guard Desmond Bane was traded to the Orlando Magic in June 2025 after five seasons with Memphis. Bane was a captain and pivotal piece during his time with the Grizzlies.
Bane will make his first return to FedExForum as a member of the Magic, but the Grizzlies are expected to wait until the teams’ regular-season matchup Feb. 10 to show an official tribute video.
Much has changed on Memphis’ roster since Bane’s departure. Two of the longest-tenured players remaining are GG Jackson and Jaylen Wells.
“That’s my guy,” Jackson said. “I always called him Cap. I never addressed him as Desmond or Mr. Bane. He’s definitely a big bro and mentor of mine.”
The Grizzlies faced Bane last season during a two-game stint in Europe in January. Jackson remembers that Bane rarely spoke before those games because he was “locked in.”
When Bane was in Memphis, he invited Jackson and Wells to his home for Thanksgiving and was a constant voice in their ears earlier in their careers.
“I enjoyed having him in Memphis,” Wells said. “I learned a lot from him. Great competition and great overall person.”
Damichael Cole is the Memphis Grizzlies beat writer for The Commercial Appeal. Contact Damichael at damichael.cole@commercialappeal.com. Follow Damichael on X, formerly known as Twitter, @DamichaelC.
This article originally appeared on Memphis Commercial Appeal: Memphis Grizzlies provide update on Isaiah Stewart after ankle injury
