Memphis Grizzlies Mock Draft 2.0
The NBA draft is 10 days away. How could things shake out for the Memphis Grizzlies?
The NBA draft is 10 days away, and we could very well see the final game of the NBA season tonight — as the Denver Nuggets hold a 3-1 series lead on the Miami Heat. If the Nuggets close them out tonight, more offseason smoke should intensify, especially as we’re within single digits of the NBA draft.
The Memphis Grizzlies will be a team to watch this offseason with needs to fulfill and the urgency to execute them.
I recently participated in another one of MavsDraft’s mock drafts, picking for the Memphis Grizzlies at the 25th, 45th, and 56th selections (no trades, unfortunately).
My first mock draft can be found here.
25th pick: Nick Smith Jr., 6’5” guard, Arkansas
Picking Nick Smith Jr. would be a clear case of “best talent available” — and it’d be a situation similar to Ziaire Williams in the 2021 draft. Smith was regarded as the best prospect in college basketball by some analysts, as he finished as the number one overall prospect in the HS class of 2022, then slipped down draft boards due to inconsistency and injuries.
However, the Grizzlies could use a combo guard in their “prospects” group, especially with Smith’s creation potential. Maybe, he could grow to be the bucket-getter off the bench many Grizzlies fans are hoping for.
3 picks after
GG Jackson, Forward, South Carolina
Terquavion Smith, Guard, NC State
Jordan Walsh, Forward, Arkansas
45th pick: Jaime Jaquez, 6’7” wing, UCLA
Jaime Jacquez is just a smart winning basketball player. He can get to his spots inside the arc and dissect defenses with his shot-making on 2’s. He checks boxes for the Grizzlies as a good positional rebounder (8.9 per game), playmaker (2.5 assists), and defensive event creator (1.5 steals per game).
He could slip because of his limited athleticism, shaky outside shooting, and his woes in space. However, at the 45th pick, Jaquez is a good bet here as someone who could become an impactful NBA rotation player.
3 picks after
Julian Philips, Wing, Tennessee
Amari Bailey, Guard, UCLA
Kobe Brown, Forward, Missouri
56th pick: Colin Castleton, Big, Florida
The Grizzlies could use a prospect center with legitimate size. Their backup centers — Xavier Tillman, Brandon Clarke, and Kenneth Lofton Jr. — are rather undersized. Castleton is a huge big man that can protect the rim (3 blocks per game) and serve as a connective piece of the offense as a screening and passing hub (2.7 assists).
The question with him will revolve around defending in space and stretching the floor.
2 picks after
Jaylen Clark, Wing, UCLA
Keyontae Johnson, Wing, Kansas State
Undrafted free agents
Hunter Tyson, wing, Clemson
Hunter Tyson was a 4-year college player who averaged nearly 15 points and 10 rebounds, while connecting on 57.8% of his 2’s and 40.6% of his 3’s (6 attempts per game). He’s an intriguing offensive prospect because of his size (6’8”), shooting upside, and efficiency in multiple offensive playtypes.
Adama Sanogo, big, UConn
Adama Sanogo elevated his draft stock in the NCAA tournament, as there must be some sort of promise for him not to return for his senior year. He averaged 17.2 points and 7.7 rebounds, while shooting 60.6 attempts per game. He isn’t much of a floor spacer with volume, but he projects as an energy big man that’ll contribute with his soft touch around the basket.
Notable undrafted players: Jordan Miller, wing, Miami; Drew Timme, big, Gonzaga; Jalen Pickett, guard, Penn State; Charles Bediako, big, Alabama; Chris Livingston, forward, Kentucky; Damion Baugh, guard, TCU; Kendric Davis, guard, Memphis; Oscar Tshiebwe, big, Kentucky
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