Grizzlies: Top-9 Mock Draft 1.0
How could the board shake out for the Memphis Grizzlies?
The NBA draft is less than a month away. As we enter June, more intel and smoke should blow to help us get a feel for how the board should shake out.
This draft has so much variance that it’s tough to put a pulse on it. That reality could benefit the Memphis Grizzlies, who slipped from the 7th-best odds to the 9th pick.
Over the next few weeks, I’ll have other Substack and Draft creators help gauge how the board could shake out, and how the Grizzlies should approach different scenarios.
For the first version, Tyler Rucker of No Ceilings gives an idea of how the first 8 picks could shake out, and what the Grizzlies could be left with.
Trades excluded in these mocks.
Top 8
Atlanta Hawks - Alex Sarr, F/C, Perth
Think this one isn’t as set in stone as some might think. Atlanta at a point in which they could swing upside with Sarr or Risacher could start to generate some buzz. For now, I think Sarr is the swing.
Washington Wizards - Donovan Clingan, C, UConn
Another one I think will be fluid up to the draft. Washington needs size in their frontcourt in the worst way possible. Although Risacher could be in play here as well, Washington adds another defensive minded piece alongside rising stud Bilal Coulibaly to have the Wizards marching forward in their rebuild.
Houston Rockets - Reed Sheppard, G, Kentucky
Houston has the luxury of being able to go in a number of different directions here. For a team that has continued to build an identity on the defensive side of the ball, Sheppard would give a high IQ player who can space the floor and making winning plays. Would be a strong addition in their rotation.
San Antonio Spurs - Rob Dillingham, G, Kentucky
Could argue that this is where the draft will get spicy. Think there’s a real chance that Nikola Topic and Zaccharie Risacher are in the conversation here. But for now, think the offensive weaponry for Dillingham could be too enticing to pass up, especially when it comes to pairing him with Wembanyama.
Detroit Pistons - Zaccharie Risacher, F, JL Bourg
Detroit needs to get someone who can impact the game without needing a lot of touches. Risacher gives them a willing 3-and-D talent who can slide in and add size and versatility on the defensive side of the ball.
Charlotte Hornets - Stephon Castle, G, UConn
Charlotte could find themselves in a great spot to go in a number of different directions and let the board fall into their hands. After hitting a homerun with Brandon Miller last year, the Hornets add another player who offers versatility and right mindset when it comes to making winning plays.
Portland Trail Blazers - Dalton Knecht, W, Tennessee
Think Portland will be another wildcard in the lottery. Backcourt has plenty of pieces and Shaedon Sharpe should be poised for another step forward this year. Adding an offensive weapon like Knecht could be a nice addition alongside the youthful pieces blooming in Portland.
San Antonio Spurs - Matas Buzelis, F, G League Ignite
After adding some backcourt help, San Antonio jumps on the opportunity to swing a little bit with the addition of Buzelis. The lengthy forward was inconsistent with his outside shot last year, but has the upside to be a heck of a piece moving forward. Slotting him next to Wembanyama has the potential to really open things up for the Spurs.
What can the Grizzlies do at 9?
For the purpose of this exercise, we won’t include a trade. Frankly, if the board shook out this way, I’d be shopping it to Cleveland in a package for Jarrett Allen. If they wanted to trade down, that works too.
But here’s where the Grizzlies could roll:
Upside swings:
Ron Holland. The Grizzlies could opt for the biggest upside swing with Holland. No need to hash into it further. Ran a profile on him a few weeks ago.
Yves Missi. Missi is still raw with his feel, though I was a big fan of how he tested the horizons of his live-dribble game toward the end of the season. Is he a day-1 contributor? I’m not sure. However, it’s entirely possible the answer is “yes” because of his relentless motor on both ends of the floor as a 7-foot big man.
Cody Williams. Williams is likely a year away from being a contributor to winning basketball, mainly due to his lack of strength. However, you can never employ too many 6’8” wings that can defend multiple positions. He can use a year in the G League getting stronger and growing accustomed to upping his 3-point volume.
Safe bet:
Nikola Topic. You can never have too much playmaking. It’s unclear how good he is off ball or defensively, but he’s a big advantage creator from the guard spot. The Grizzlies could use that off the bench.
Tristan Da Silva. I wouldn’t pick Da Silva at 9, but with the way the board shook out here, I’d at least consider it. He’s a big forward that’s an unbelievable processor. More to come.
Zach Edey. The Grizzlies need a big. The 2-time National Player of the Year will have some questions on his NBA translation. However, he has the skillset to emulate Jonas Valanciunas and Steven Adams.
Jared McCain. You won’t find a freshman in the “safe bet” category too much, but McCain is a versatile guard that makes winning plays on both sides of the ball. In addition, he gives Reed Sheppard a run for his money as the best shooter in this class. If the Grizzlies have to move guard depth to get a big man, McCain would be an awesome pick.
Devin Carter. Devin Carter is an absolute winner that’s a monster defender and rebounder at his size. Like McCain, he’d make for great depth if the Grizzlies need to move a guard. He can contribute day 1. The Grizzlies have also expressed interest in Carter, the son of Grizzlies’ assistant Anthony Carter — per ESPN.
Final judgement: I’d go Ron Holland to add another big wing with 2-way upside.
Follow Tyler on X (@Tyler_Rucker) for his NBA Draft coverage, also found on No Ceilings.
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