Quinten Post Could Emerge as Grizzlies X-Factor After Isaiah Stewart Injury

Memphis Grizzlies big man Isaiah Stewart hurt his ankle two minutes into the Grizzlies' preseason debut. It was an unfortunate occurrence, but it could open up an opportunity for potential Grizzlies X-factor Quinten Post.

Let's not overreact. Stewart is listed day-to-day. There is every reason to assume that he'll be healthy and ready to suit up when the Grizzlies make their 2026-27 regular-season debut.

There was a more conspicuous absence in this game as well. Big man Zach Edey sat this contest out. It's probably wise for the Grizzlies to afford the injury-prone behemoth some rest.

But it does make you think.

We all know Edey played just 11 games in 2025-26. Equally, we're all hoping he can stay healthy throughout the upcoming season. Still, it would be wise for the Grizzlies to have a contingency plan.

Post won't be next in line. That would be Stewart. Still, it's fair to note that Stewart is just 6-foot-8. That stands in sharp contrast to Edey, who at 7-foot-3 and 305 pounds, is perhaps the single largest human being in the NBA.

At 7-foot and 238 pounds, Post is more of a traditional big than Stewart. There will be nights when the opposing matchup dictates that Memphis needs size. If Edey isn't available, that could mean giving Post the nod in the starting lineup.

Is that a good thing?

Any conversation about Post tends to start with his 3-point shooting. He's connected on 36.4% of his triples throughout his career so far. This is one of the few true stretch big men in the NBA. That's about the extent of Post's offensive role, although he's a smart screener and steady passer for his position as well.

His defensive profile is a bit more complicated. Post uses his court awareness and positioning to disrupt plays. He isn't a liability, but limited lateral mobility and upper-body strength are weaknesses that some matchups can expose.

Bottom line: Post is a good backup big man. He's an elite third-string big. He may be a fringe starter, but if Edey can't stay on the floor this year, there will be times when he's needed for more responsibility than some Grizzlies fans may have expected.

They'll prefer Stewart. He's one of the best defensive big men in the NBA. He can also slide to the 4, allowing Memphis to play this duo together.

It will be interesting to see how the rotation shakes out throughout 2026-27, but expect Post to be a large part of it.

One way or another.