Memphis Grizzlies draft Richie Saunders with 32nd pick
The Grizzlies select BYU swingman Richie Saunders with the 32nd pick.
The Memphis Grizzlies made their pick with their second-round pick at 32. They select Richie Saunders out of BYU.
Richie Saunders was 28th on my board, and the best player left after day one. It’s worth noting that he’s recovering from a torn ACL, so he’s likely going to be on a two-way contract. Or, the Grizzlies could plan to sign him to a two-way contract when he’s cleared to return.
Like yesterday, I’ll focus on 5 points with the pick, then write more in depth at a later date.
Saunders is a lights-out shooter, as he was a career 38.7 percent shooter from three at BYU.
His value defensively is tied to generating steals than individual defense. His anticipation in passing lanes is very good. His steal percentage aligns with a common Grizzlies’ philosophy of acquiring players that generate turnovers.
Considering how his two-way contract goes, the Grizzlies will likely get an awesome deal on a rotation player in his prime.
He’s more of a connector than playmaker, but he’s a solid dribble-drive player out of closeouts.
He’s an absolute DAWG on the glass. Listen to this clip from Yahoo Sports’ Kevin O’Connor.
We’ll see how the Grizzlies work with Saunders’ recovery, but he’s a wing that can dribble-pass-shoot while creating turnovers. This is a sound pick for the Grizzlies that can become a win on the margins.
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