5 Reasons why the Memphis Grizzlies should have kept Lance Stephenson

No. 2: Secondary Playmaker

This offseason, the Grizzlies made up for their lack of playmakers, signing Tyreke Evans and Mario Chalmers. While a healthy version of both players are on the same level (or better) as Lance, the Grizzlies had a playmaking issue last season.

After Mike Conley broke his back, no one – including the Grizzlies – knew who would’ve ran the offense. They made a knee-jerk decision by signing Toney Douglas, a move that would’ve been unnecessary if they kept Lance.

He wouldn’t have played the point guard position, but he could’ve eased the pressure off rookies Andrew Harrison and Wade Baldwin. Even when Conley returned, he would’ve opened up opportunities for Mike to play off the ball.

With Parsons injured, the Grizzlies needed a secondary playmaker alongside Conley. While they’ve done a good job of making up for it this offseason, this issue would’ve never been a thing if they kept Lance.