Steven Adams may have unlocked crucial new skill to help Grizzlies

We are deep into the NBA offseason, which means players are in the process of honing their skills, shoring up weaknesses in their game, and uploading the evidence to social media. Despite a minimal presence online, Memphis Grizzlies big man Steven Adams is no exception to this annual phenomenon.

The nine-year veteran is entering his second season with the Grizzlies, coming off a season in which he posted career-highs in rebounds per game (10.0) and assists per game (3.4).

One glaring flaw in the New Zealand native’s game has been the lack of a jump shot or even a three-point shot, really.

It seems that the 29-year-old is looking to unlock that final piece of his game if a recent offseason workout video clip is any indication.

Memphis Grizzlies star Steven Adams hits barrage of three-pointers in video

In the video clip, Adams is seen catching the ball on the left block while fading away and shooting towards the baseline in one seamless move for an easy basket. He then runs out towards the corner of the three-point line, catches a pass from someone, and drills the corner-pocket three with a hand in his face.

Adams then jogs to the wing of the three-point line and drills a catch-and-shoot three with a hand in his face. He hits three baskets in a row during the drill all within 10 seconds— it’s almost jaw-dropping.

For the vast majority of NBA players, seeing a clip of them hitting a few fluid jump shots is nothing noteworthy. However, for Steven Adams it’s a huge deal.

This is a man who pretty much never has a defender guarding him unless he’s in the paint— that’s how little of an offensive threat he’s been.

Not to mention the fact that Steven Adams is 1 of 14 from three in his entire NBA career. We just saw him make two in a row in this quick video clip.

If Adams can get comfortable and confident enough to shoot from beyond the arc during a game, then the entire league will have to be put on notice.

Steven Adams being able to hit a three-point shot would make this team almost unstoppable on offense.

And believe it or not, a player going from a non-existent three-point threat to credible threat in between seasons is not unprecedented. Remember Brook Lopez? His three-point shooting game was a lot like Steven Adams’ for the first several years he was in the league.

In fact, Lopez was 3 for 31 for the first eight years of his NBA career. In his ninth year, he was 134 for 387 from three.

• 2013-14: Lopez was 0-1
• 2014-15: he was 1-10
• 2015-16: he was 2-14
• 2016-17: he was 134-387

Lopez has been around a 34% three-point shooter ever since. His ability to force defenses to guard him at the three-point line allows Giannia Antetokounmpo extra room to operate and drive full-speed ahead to the basket.

I’m not saying Adams is going to follow in Lopez’s footsteps exactly, but if he starts shooting a couple of threes each game, it will keep defenders honest and likely force his man out of Ja Morant’s way so he can drive to the paint much more easily.

This sort of move may seem minor but it could have a major impact on the team and make the offense absolutely hum.

With Jaren Jackson Jr. out for the first few months of the season, Adams could absolutely use a few of the 5.1 3PT attempts per game normally allotted to Jackson.

The veteran big man is in line for a contract extension, so putting his absolute best foot forward not only will help him increase his value but help the team in 2022-23.