Five thoughts on the Grizzlies and the upcoming draft
In a shameless rip-off of the draft preview series over at noceilingsnba.com, I answer 5 questions around the Grizzlies and the upcoming draft.
1. What do you think is the biggest weakness for the Grizzlies that NEEDS to be addressed on draft night?
As was made evident in the playoffs during the absence of Ja Morant, Memphis desperately needs another option on offense - whether that be a creator or bucket-getter - so that Dillon Brooks doesn’t feel like he needs to chuck up 35 shots per game. That being said, a lot hangs in the balance with Tyus Jones and if he re-signs with Memphis. He stated that he would like to be a starter somewhere, but I’m sure the money will be a factor and he still got lots of run with Memphis over the course of the season. Having a solid backup PG - or someone who can manage as a primary ball handler with the second unit - is going to be critical for Memphis.
The Grizzlies have groomed guys like Desmond Bane and De’Anthony Melton to handle secondary ball-handling duties, so Memphis could continue with that strategy by drafting another wing who can also distribute at an efficient level. This type of player could serve as a stop-gap if Tyus leaves the roster.
2. Which position group would you target most for the Grizzlies: Guards, Wings, Forwards, or Centers?
Wings. In the league right now you can never have too many good wings. Desmond Bane has turned out to be an incredible shooter, Dillon Brooks is a dog on defense, and Ziaire Williams showed tremendous growth on both sides of the ball over the course of the season. That being said, Brooks is on an expiring contract next season and it could be time for Memphis to move on from his offensive sporadicness for someone who can contribute on defense at a high level while being more consistent on offense. Adding another contributor on the wings just gives coach Taylor Jenkins more options to work with.
With pick #29, I could see Memphis taking a center to replace Steven Adams when his contract runs out. There are a handful of big men in this draft who would be a great fit alongside Jaren Jackson Jr. Odds of at least one of them being around late in the first round seem high.
3. Is there any argument for the Grizzlies to draft based on fit around a core group of players, or should “BPA” be in play at all times for Memphis on draft night?
Assuming they keep their pair of first round picks, Memphis should look to pick up at least one player who can make an immediate impact and who has some experience under their belt. The selection of Ziaire Williams last year was a bit of a strategy shift from a front office who drafted older guys in Bane and Xavier Tillman the prior season. The championship window for this team came quicker than expected and now it’s critical to make the most of the current opportunity.
Since they are drafting later in the first round, the BPA may be even more subjective and the player’s development and ceiling may ultimately be decided by the franchise and how much they can assist their selection in his development. There’s a good chance that the BPA will be able to fit seamlessly into the roster - with the lone exception being starting PG; I think they are good there.
4. Who are the Top 5 targets for the Grizzlies to select with the 22nd and 29th picks?
#22: EJ Liddell, Tari Eason, Marjon Beauchamp, Ochia Agbaji, Jaden Hardy
#29: Christian Braun, Patrick Baldwin Jr., Walker Kessler, Christian Koloko, Gabriele Procida,
5. Who is an under-the-radar surprise target for the Grizzlies ?
Ismael Kamagate, Justin Lewis