Memphis Grizzlies: Time to Resurrect Another Ex-All-Star’s Career

The Memphis Grizzlies have a history of attempting to resurrect former NBA All-Stars’ careers. Who is next?

Since the “Grit-‘N’-Grind” era of Memphis Grizzlies basketball has come and gone, a handful of former NBA All-Stars have donned a Grizzlies uniform.

In the summer of 2008, the Grizzlies acquired three-time All-Star Antoine Walker as a component within a blockbuster trade, which also landed them a young O.J. Mayo. Walker received an audition in training camp and preseason play, and ultimately earned a spot on the final roster prior to the start of the 2008-09 regular season. Memphis’ Front Office wanted to have him around for his veteran leadership presence; Walker wanted to play. Thus, the two sides split without Antoine Walker receiving any minutes.

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Think of Allen Iverson — along with all the controversy he encompassed — through the three total games in which he appeared as a Grizzly. This was a failed plan as far as winning games is concerned, but it certainly drew attention from national media — something rare for the organization. Memphis was the complete opposite of a perfect match for the 11-time NBA All-Star.

Memphis’ luck became slightly better in 2012 when they decided to roll the dice on a 30-year-old Gilbert Arenas. It was a major PR risk for the Grizzlies to add the three-time NBA All-Star, given the locker room gun incident which marred’ Arenas’ prolific career. However, he focused on basketball only after signing with the Memphis Grizzlies. He was no longer an elite talent, but he was a formidable backup when handling the ball. The team could count on Gilbert while other Grizz youngsters were deemed inefficient for the role.

The absolute best gamble the Memphis Grizzlies took when adding a post-prime All-Star talent came in the summer of 2014. In an unlikely situation, a big name chose Memphis. Eight-time NBA All-Star Vince Carter signed a free-agent deal with the Grizzlies. However, it was not for one year. It was for three.

This speaks volumes for how the Memphis Grizzlies were perceived in the league. They were not lucky in their postseason series victories; the Grizzlies played a winning brand of basketball. Whether the basketball world will admit it or not, Memphis has been one of the league’s top teams this decade. Carter acknowledged this and became a part of the squad. Through the next three seasons, he played a big role on the court and an even bigger one behind the scenes. Though he was no longer an All-Star, he was a solid contributor.

Now that “Vinsanity” has moved on to other endeavors outside of Memphis, Tennessee, where will the Grizzlies look to roll the dice one more time? With the creation of the BIG3 league, it would be no surprise to see this Front Office scouting three-on-three talent.

In Season Two of BIG3, Amar’e Stoudemire left Jerusalem to reinstall his name in the minds of basketball fans on U.S. soil. This new league is very unique. It is a nontraditional form of hoops, but it could be a way to revive careers of former NBA players while others look to extend their days on the hardwood. Take a look at Amar’e’s play this summer:

After watching these highlights from this summer’s BIG3 league appearance, a return to the NBA for Stoudemire is not an outlandish idea. He is not the same player that made him an MVP candidate while with the Phoenix Suns. Regardless, he is fully healthy and appears to be more of an impactful player that he was as a member of the New York Knicks, Dallas Mavericks, and Miami Heat.

Spring is back in Stoudemire’s step. He is slamming the rock through the hoop like his old All-Star days. This summer, Amar’e has proved that he can be a valuable big man on the court. Though BIG3 is a game totally different from the NBA, the speed and footwork of Stoudemire should once again draw the eyes of NBA scouts. This weekend on social media, the six-time All-Star hinted at an NBA comeback.

Will an NBA franchise bite the bait? After watching Amar’e Stoudemire in the BIG3 league, it seems as if the only questions should be “who?” and “when?” 

The Memphis Grizzlies should absolutely bite on this one. They are known to be all-in for resurrecting the careers of former All-Stars. Plus, the Grizz need veteran assistance in the frontcourt if they are truly serious of making a run at the postseason in 2018-19. Ivan Rabb remains a raw talent and Jaren Jackson Jr. is only 18 years old. Stoudemire could help Memphis get the job done. At the very least, Amar’e deserves a training camp invite.

At this point in Stoudemire’s hoops journey, he could be a primary center rather than focusing on stretching the floor as a power forward. Marc Gasol needs relief from logging so many bulky minutes; therefore, Amar’e fits the bill. There lies potential for “STAT” to be a strong contributor, even at the age of 35. This is one idea the Memphis Grizzlies should definitely be pondering as September’s training camp draws near.

Go Grizz!