In recent weeks, the Memphis Grizzlies have looked to upgrade their feeble backup power forward position. Jon Leuer serves as a stretch four off the bench for Memphis; however, the problem is that his shots never seem to actually go through the hoop. Aside from shooting, Leuer isn’t adept in many areas, and if he isn’t getting buckets, then what is he for?
Memphis has recently taken flyers on power forwards, Tyrus Thomas and JaMychal Green, by offering them both 10-day contracts, but ESPN Insider Bradford Doolittle has suggested that a more enticing solution could be on the table for the Grizzlies if the New York Knicks end up buying out of Amar’e Stoudemire‘s contract and waiving him.
While Doolittle has listed the Memphis Grizzlies as a potential landing spot for Amar’e Stoudemire, he didn’t seem too confident in the likelihood of Stoudemire joining forces with the Grit ‘N’ Grind. Here are Doolittle’s comments on the situation:
"A dark horse perhaps, but the Grizzlies have looked like true title contenders since integrating Jeff Green into the rotation and it feels like one more bold move could propel Memphis to the Finals. Memphis has a post-heavy offense, a terrific defensive structure and while the Grizzlies aren’t pounding the offensive glass as often as years past, it’s still a key part of their success. The Grizzlies have cycled through several options as a backup for Zach Randolph, including JaMychal Green and Tyrus Thomas. Memphis might not be able to give Stoudemire as big a role as he’d like, but he may also be the final puzzle piece that gets the Grizzlies over the top."
Doolittle mentions the Suns, Mavericks, and Clippers as the three “frontrunners” who he’d consider ahead of Memphis. Although the Grizzlies would arguably present Stoudemire with the greatest chance of winning a ring. The caveat here is that the three previously mentioned teams would offer a considerably larger amount of playing time for the big man than Memphis.
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Unless an injury occurs to either Marc Gasol, Zach Randolph, or Kosta Koufos, it’s highly unlikely to see Amar’e getting anything close to 20-plus minutes per game.
The Grizzlies’ greatest strength is their post scoring, and while Amar’e Stoudemire would certainly bolster that strength, one could argue that Memphis should focus more on addressing their weakness: 3-point shooting.
Mike Conley‘s shooting percentages have regressed in recent weeks, Vince Carter has been a disappointment from three this year, and Jeff Green has never been a good shooter.
Nonetheless, Stoudemire has been productive this season, as his Per 36 numbers of 18 points and 10 rebounds on 54 percent from the field indicate. Amar’e would also eliminate playing time for Jon Leuer, which is a plus on its own.
But is Coach Dave Joerger willing to shift his rotations to meet Stoudemire’s needs and maximize his abilities? Considering how well Memphis has been playing, perhaps their best move is remaining stagnant. They’re currently the second best team in the Western Conference, and they seem to have great chemistry, both on and off the court.
At this point of the season, standing pat seems to be the wisest choice for the Grizzlies.
Next: Should More All-Stars Have Come Out Of Memphis?
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