Scouting the Grizzlies workouts
Currently, the Grizzlies own multiple picks in the upcoming draft. Here are my thoughts on the players Memphis has brought in for workouts.
The lead up to the NBA draft is an exciting time a year for hoop heads. With the Grizzlies potentially having multiple picks in the draft this month, I’ve spent some time in the weeds - combing through film, studying barttorvik, and memorizing sports-reference. Here are some quick-hitter scouting reports on the known guys that have worked out for the Grizzlies recently.
Wendell Moore, Junior - Duke
Wing, 6’5”, 215 lbs
13.4 ppg, 5.3 rpg, 4.4 apg
50% / 41.3% / 80%
Seven foot wingspan
1.4 steals per game and great assist rate
Slides well on defense and knows how to use his length without jumping and going for pump fakes
Good at anticipating and jumping into passing lanes
Intelligent passer, likes to get into the lane and dish out
Lots of PNR and ability to find roll man (frequently Mark Williams)
Frequently was ball handler in PNR
The more threes he shot at Duke, the better he got, but isn’t aggressive in taking them, doesn’t shoot them well in transition
Will be 20 years old at draft, worked out for Grizzlies
Presents reasonable C&S threat from three, has the ability to get hot from deep
Smart cutter who gets into the paint and makes himself available for the pass
Not the most explosive athlete, doesn’t play above the rim, sometimes doesn’t feel like he gets off the ground
Since their workout, Peterson and Wong have decided to return to school.
John Butler Jr, Freshman - Florida State
Wing/Forward, 7’1”, 190 lbs
5.9 ppg, 3.2 rpg, 1.2 bpg
41.6% / 39.3% / 44%
Shot equal amount of two’s and threes, not a good scorer from inside the arc
19 mpg
7’3” wingspan
Clearly dude is skinny as can be, no appetite for banging down low and is essentially a wing
Less than 1 FTA per game, so no barometer on if number is real or not
Smooth looking shot with some C&S off of stationary positioning and also PNP, moves pretty good without the ball on the outside to get himself open
Not creating shots for himself or others, more of a kick out option for his drivers
Drivers underestimate his length and creates a lot of shot blocking opportunities for him
Fairly quick of foot for his size, can block from weak side and behind in recovery
Kenneth Lofton Jr., Sophomore - Louisiana Tech
Forward, 6’7”, 275 lbs
16.5 ppg, 10.5 rpg, 2.8 apg
53.9% / 20.0% / 67.2%
Only 19 three point attempts,, hit a few at draft combine
246 close two’s at a 63% clip
Crafty footwork in the post
Can jump better than expected, jump off two feet and dunk strong
Z-Bo vibes with his bully ball and left hand lol, super creative near the rim and finds ways to score the ball with his touch
Variety of up and unders, quick releases near the rim
“Jump” shot looks smooth, will need this in NBA because he probably won’t get as much at the rim due to playing against better and taller post players
6’11” wingspan
Decent passing skills
Not the quickest, so perimeter defense is a question
5.5 FTA but struggled to convert, did improve 7 percentage points from freshman season