Memphis Grizzlies are unsure about 26-year-old star’s future with the team

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Understandably, the Memphis Grizzlies want to move past the not-so-good memories of last season. The team was hampered before the train left the lot, with many signs pointing to a difficult season. However, even during tough times, there are good things. The progression of several key names last season was the biggest thing Memphis hung its hat on.

Memphis undecided on where the future leads 26-year-old

From the rise of second-round gems like GG Jackson II and Vince Williams Jr to the surprising emergence of Scotty Pippen Jr., Memphis possesses some diamonds in the rough that they are expected to rely upon next season. That's not to discount Lamar Stevens, who averaged 11.5 points per game during his limited stretch for the team last season.

As is the case for all young players, proving your worth and earning a contributing role is the first step to success in the NBA. Jackson II, Williams Jr., and even Pippen Jr., to a degree, have done that in significant spurts already. However, although he has supreme potential, Stevens may be on the outside looking in if he doesn't take another step up next season.

According to Memphis Grizzlies analyst and podcast host Joe Mullinax, Stevens' lack of identity in the offense makes his future uncertain. With other emerging names on the roster already taking that step, the pressure is on for the 26-year-0ld Stevens to produce.

"I know folks like Lamar Stevens. Lamar Stevens hasn't shown much since he came back from injury," Mullinax began. "DaMichel [Cole] and I have talked about wanting to see him play the three. Is he a small ball four? Is he a guy that in switchable defending groups, can he be a five? If he can't play the three he can't play in Memphis and right now it doesn't look great for him in that spot."

The biggest question mark

Despite being nearly 27 years old, Stevens has still untapped potential based on what we have seen. Although he has strengths, the biggest reason why Stevens hasn't strung together a level of consistency stems from his lack of shooting. For his career, the forward is shooting 28.6% from distance on 1.1 attempts per game. Stevens is already fighting an uphill battle playing on a team that needs shooters.

Because he cannot space the floor, Stevens' fit is clunky in spots. He possesses length, lateral explosiveness, and solid mobility — he has the tools to be a good-to-very-good NBA defender. He can develop a niche if he can establish his identity on that end of the floor. Offensively, his strengths are exposed in transition. Stevens is a capable slasher who lacks floor awareness to play well off the ball consistently.

In essence, Stevens must improve his outside shot to be considered a true commodity for the Grizzlies. If he can at least develop into a player who can get his own shot — a skill he can develop quickly if his shooting improves — he can become a regular rotational piece.