Grizzlies' Adams needs knee cartilage transplant, no timetable for return

A rocky NBA road continues to get rockier for Memphis Grizzlies guard Jordan Adams.

The 21-year-old UCLA product, who's played just 32 games since being drafted 22nd overall by the Grizzlies in 2014, is set to have cartilage transplant surgery on his right knee, the team announced Wednesday.

Adams suffered a partially torn meniscus in the knee during an offseason workout last summer, and underwent a meniscectomy in August. He made it back in time for opening night, but lasted just two games before suffering cartilage damage in the same knee. He had another operation in January to remove the damaged tissue, but was unable to play without pain in his attempted recovery. Those two games were the only ones he played in 2015-16.

With the cartilage transplant, Adams will again be sidelined indefinitely.

"This is obviously difficult news for Jordan and our organization," Grizzlies general manager Chris Wallace said. "Jordan has been on a tough road for the better part of a year. We wish him a full and speedy recovery and hope that this procedure will help him return to the hardwood."

In his two abbreviated seasons with Memphis, Adams has averaged 3.2 points in 8.2 minutes per game, shooting 40.2 percent from the field and 38.5 percent from 3-point range.