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Lance Stephenson is a low-risk, high-reward player, so why isn't he a Grizzly?

Published Jun. 30, 2017 6:28 p.m. ET

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Ever since the Memphis Grizzlies declined Lance Stephenson’s team option worth $9,000,000, he’s lingered on the free agent market for weeks. Why haven’t the Grizzlies thrown a minimum contract his way?

The 2013-2014 season was quite the year for Indiana Pacers guard Lance Stephenson: the versatile University of Cincinnati alumnus led the 56-win squad in assists, rebounds and was third in points scored. He had the basketball world in the palm of his hand.

The former second round pick went on to take his talents down south to the Charlotte Hornets the ensuing season, where his short-lived fame came to an abrupt end and his reputation as a player crumbled. Stephenson averaged only 8.2 points per game in Queen City and his true shooting percentage dropped 14.5 percent.

From there, Stephenson was a hot potato, being dealt to the Los Angeles Clippers for 43 games, where he struggled even more than he did in Charlotte.

Talk about “hero to zero.”

It seemed like nothing would end—or even slow down—Stephenson’s downward spiral. That’s when the Memphis Grizzlies interjected.

Looking to deal Jeff Green and climb into playoff contention, a deal went down and Stephenson was shipped cross-country to Tennessee.

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February 18, 2016: (Lance Stephenson) traded by the Los Angeles Clippers with a 2019 1st round draft pick to the Memphis Grizzlies for Jeff Green. (via Basketball-Reference.com)

The oddest thing happened, the change of scenery—his third in 579 days—flipped Stephenson’s game completely. He was fourth on the team in points per game (14.2) and first in points per 36 minutes (19.2). The Grizzlies’ offensive rating was 4.6 points higher with him on the court. His player efficiency rating of 17.1 was by far the highest mark of his career.

Lance Stephenson, nicknamed “Born Ready,” had been baptized. His re-birth was taking place.

Why wouldn’t the duo reunite?

While it was understandable that Memphis turned down his team option, after all, Stephenson’s sample size wasn’t substantial enough to warrant the paycheck his contract entailed, it’s puzzling why he wasn’t brought back for another run at a lower price tag. After all, the only thing that could potentially hold Memphis back from a lengthy playoff run this year, barring injuries, is i ts lack of bench depth.

The Grizzlies are already over the salary cap after re-signing Mike Conley, so what did they have to lose by bringing Stephenson back on a minimum deal?

For Stephenson, it was a chance to earn back the serious minutes he saw in Indiana.

Apr 9, 2016; Memphis, TN, USA; Memphis Grizzlies guard Lance Stephenson (1) looks to pass the ball as Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (30) defends at FedExForum. Mandatory Credit: Nelson Chenault-USA TODAY Sports

For Memphis, it was a player that could consistently come off the bench without being as young as Wade Baldwin IV, but also not as ancient as Vince Carter.

One could cite Stephenson’s poor defensive box plus/minus, it was -1.3 during his stint with the Grizzlies. However, his offensive game was able to return, why couldn’t his defense? After all, Stephenson isn’t far removed from being sixth in the league with 4.8 defensive win shares in 2013-2014.

In comparison, Conley—who signed a $153,000,000 deal this summer—has a DBPM (-1.9) even lower than Stephenson’s career worst.

If the Grizzlies’ bench runs thin this season, there’s no doubt some fingers may be pointed at general manager Chris Wallace, who let Stephenson walk.

When Stephenson signs somewhere—which he will—it’ll be on a “prove yourself” deal. Memphis is a team that also has something to prove after years of flying under the radar. It’s not too late to pick up the phone, Wallace.

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