MEMPHIS, Tenn — Bismack Biyombo joined the Grizzlies at just the right time.
Biyombo is a much-needed reinforcement for a depleted Memphis front court, which is missing Steven Adams for the year and has Xavier Tillman nursing injury.
Biyombo signed with the Grizzlies on Nov. 1, joining the team in the middle of their road trip while the team was in Utah.
He had a practice and a shootaround before playing less than a minute in the Grizzlies' first matchup with the Portland Trailblazers on Friday. He was in one full practice and then was thrust into the starting lineup for the Sunday rematch.
The 12-year veteran responded with eight points, 11 rebounds, four assists and three blocks in place of the injured Xavier Tillman. The Grizzlies won their first game of the season 112-100.
"I just have faith in God, man. God always puts me in the right situation with the right people around me," Biyombo told local media on Tuesday. "I thank everybody from coaches, players, the staff that have tried to make everything as easy as possible so that my only focus is to help the team win."
The native of the Democratic Republic of Congo played 26 minutes in his starting role. He told head coach Taylor Jenkins he was in shape and prepared to play as long as needed.
"I was really encouraged by that and that mentality," Jenkins said. "Offensively, he had three, four assists, screen setter, offensive rebounding - all things that we were looking for in that spot. Hopefully he just continues to get better from here and more acclimated too."
Jenkins said getting Biyombo up to speed will take some time and called it "a balancing act." Film sessions and scripted practice scenarios will help as well.
"I think he's doing a great job connecting with his teammates. They're having great dialogue. They're pushing him; they've been fully embracing of him," Jenkins said. "The guy's been in the league a long time. He knows what it takes to win."
Meshing in the early stages of the season is certainly easier than joining at the trade deadline. Biyombo joined the team just six games into their season. It's a different timeline than Luke Kennard's when he was traded to the Grizzlies from the LA Clippers last February.
"It's always difficult when you come in midseason, like February trade deadline," Biyombo said. "The chemistry, you build the chemistry with your teammates. They know the good and bad in you and vice versa, and therefore, getting out and competing is just fun."
"It's definitely not easy, but that's a part of being a pro," said Kennard. "[Biyombo] came in, he asked questions, he stayed after."
Biyombo will have to acclimate quickly. The Grizzlies return to FedExForum to face the Miami Heat Wednesday night. Biyombo will likely be in the starting lineup again as Tillman is nursing a knee soreness.