Grizzlies pushing Steven Adams to expand his game

Before the regular season gets underway, the Memphis Grizzlies decided to make a big decision regarding one of their veteran pieces. ESPN’s Adrain Wojnarowski reported the team has come to terms on a two-year extension with center Steven Adams.

After just one season in Memphis, the front office decided Adams can be a foundational piece to the supporting cast. In 76 games last year, the 29-year-old averaged 6.9 PPG, 10.0 RPG, and 3.4 APG.

Throughout his career, Adams has been primarily known for his physical nature on the glass and setting the hardest screens in the league. However, the Grizzlies are pushing him to tap into an area of his game he hasn’t used much of in the past.

Grizzlies coach Taylor Jenkins wants Steven Adams shooting threes

During training camp, Grizzlies head coach Taylor Jenkins opened up on how he has given Adams the green light to attempt threes when the opportunity arises. Given that Ja Morant is at his best when getting downhill, the team must do all it can to maintain optimal floor spacing.

“He’s definitely putting in the work over the summer,” Grizzlies coach Taylor Jenkins said. “I even told him if you’re open, shoot it. I want him to be aggressive.”

Looking at his career numbers, it’s shocking the Grizzlies want Adams to take his game beyond the arc. In nine seasons, he has attempted a total of 14 threes and only made one. That being said, he’s put the work in to add that element to his game.

If Adams can develop a respectable outside shot, it could do wonders for Memphis’ offense going forward. Being able to draw opposing centers away from the rim will make life much easier for Morant when he’s looking to attack the basket.

Adams branching out to the perimeter could help the Grizzlies navigate the Jaren Jackson Jr. situation as well. If he is forced to miss the start of the season, Brandon Clarke and Xavier Tillman are two candidates to fill his spot in the starting lineup. Given that neither of them are strong three-point shooters, the Grizzlies might crowd the painted area and limit the damage of their star player.

Now that he has a green light to let it fly from deep, it will be something to watch in the early weeks of the season.