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Rodney Stuckey Should Not Be the Memphis Grizzlies’ Volume Scorer

By Christian Dudley

TORONTO, ON - MARCH 19: Rodney Stuckey #2 of the Indiana Pacers dribbles the ball during the first half of an NBA game against the Toronto Raptors at Air Canada Centre on March 19, 2017 in Toronto, Canada. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Vaughn Ridley/Getty Images)
TORONTO, ON - MARCH 19: Rodney Stuckey #2 of the Indiana Pacers dribbles the ball during the first half of an NBA game against the Toronto Raptors at Air Canada Centre on March 19, 2017 in Toronto, Canada. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Vaughn Ridley/Getty Images) /
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TORONTO, ON – MARCH 19: Rodney Stuckey #2 of the Indiana Pacers dribbles the ball during the first half of an NBA game against the Toronto Raptors at Air Canada Centre on March 19, 2017 in Toronto, Canada. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Vaughn Ridley/Getty Images)
TORONTO, ON – MARCH 19: Rodney Stuckey #2 of the Indiana Pacers dribbles the ball during the first half of an NBA game against the Toronto Raptors at Air Canada Centre on March 19, 2017 in Toronto, Canada. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Vaughn Ridley/Getty Images) /

The Memphis Grizzlies continue to search for roster solutions way out in left field. Would they trust Rodney Stuckey for instant offense?

This offseason, so much focus has been applied by the Memphis Grizzlies’ Front Office on the defensive end. If the guys returning from the 2017-18 roster were to be 100% healthy by the start of the upcoming season, the team would have been great defensively. Additionally, the team drafted perhaps the top-two defenders from the incoming rookie class.

The problem is because defense is 50% of the game. Where will points be generated? Though injuries loomed large for the Grizzlies last season, you cannot hide the fact that their offense was atrocious. Memphis ranked 29th of 30 clubs with a points-per-game average of 99.3. As a result, this decline was 0.9 points less (while averaging 2.0 possessions more) than the previous season.

In short, the Memphis Grizzlies need to find ways to throw points on the board. They cannot solely depend upon defense to clinch a playoff berth in the almighty Western Conference in 2018-19. The better conference has only became stronger and tougher this offseason. Every game will be crucial.

It appears as if the Grizzlies are finally looking at an option for an offensive spark outside of newcomer Omri Casspi. Popular professional hoops writer/reporter David Pick states that Memphis has sat in on a private workout of one particular free-agent veteran guard.

Rodney Stuckey would not be an awful addition if his role was to be third-string insurance in the backcourt. You almost hate to think what the Memphis Grizzlies would have in mind for Stuckey, who did not play professional basketball in the 2017-18 season. This combo-guard would be a solid name to bring into training camp, but it would not be unbelievable to hear the Grizzlies’ Front Office banking on Rodney Stuckey becoming a go-to scoring option off the bench.

If the latter, that move would have been great two or more seasons ago when he was a guaranteed double figure scoring threat. That was a consistent 11 to 16 points on greater than 40% field goal shooting. Stuckey was automatic from midrange as well as on drives to the rack. He has been an exceptional playmaker throughout his career. Furthermore, he has always struggled from beyond the arc, which is an area Memphis desperately needs assistance.

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Most recently in his basketball career, Rodney Stuckey has come into a plethora of injuries ever since he joined the Indiana Pacers in the 2014-15 season. His speed has dwindled and he has not played in a regulation NBA game since March 26th, 2017.

It is great the Memphis Grizzlies are finally thinking about scoring. However, if they intend on extending an invite to veteran guard Rodney Stuckey, it needs to be a non-guaranteed deal. Test him in camp, see if he can keep pace with the young guys on the team. Most likely, the Grizzlies will need to pass on this opportunity. It is always nice to land a gem on the cheap, but Memphis is several years too late on Stuckey. The search for offense must go on.

Go Grizz! 

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