Stevens making case to return
Memphis Grizzlies forward Lamar Stevens didn’t look rusty when he took the floor Monday night against the Denver Nuggets. Despite missing the past six games due to a left adductor strain, the 6-foot-6 forward scored 19 points.
The Grizzlies didn’t have much success as a team in the 128-103 loss at Ball Arena, but the individual performances of key players vying for roster spots beyond this season remain important.
Lamar Stevens’ strong start in Memphis
Stevens, 26, was off to a strong start in Memphis after joining the team right before the trade deadline. He mostly played out of position as a center due to depth issues, but he has held his own. His first stretch of games with the Grizzlies included matchups against former Milwaukee Bucks MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo and New Orleans All-star Zion Williamson. Throw in Houston Rockets center Alperen Sengun, and Stevens has guarded three of the league’s most physical players while playing out of position.
His defense was promising, and there was also an offensive boost. Stevens averaged 11.3 points and 4.9 rebounds in 12 games with the Grizzlies entering Monday.
As encouraging as that stretch was, there was still reason for hesitation regarding Stevens’ long-term status on the Grizzlies roster. He’s a free agent at the end of the season and occupies the only roster spot that is guaranteed to open up for Memphis. Yuta Watanabe has a player option at the end of the season, Luke Kennard has a team option and Derrick Rose is on a veteran’s minimum deal for one more season. The Grizzlies have the ability to create more space, but considering that Ste