Grizzlies: Top-9 Mock Draft 2.0
How could the board shake out for the Memphis Grizzlies? Should they play it safe, or take a swing at 9?
We’re back for another top-9 mock draft to best gauge what the board could look like for the Memphis Grizzlies, and how they could act.
If you missed the 1.0 version with No Ceilings’ Tyler Rucker, you can find it here.
For the 2.0 version of this mock draft, Keenan Womack — a draft analyst for SI’s Fan Nation, and the creator of the “Draft Punk” Substack — joins me to help lay out the board for the Grizzlies.
Atlanta Hawks Alex Sarr PF / C Perth
Sarr is a no-brainer here for a team that needs frontcourt help next to Okongwu. Sarr can play the 4 or the 5, and will be a great lob threat next to Trae Young. If I’m Atlanta, I’m keeping the pick and building around Young.
Washington Wizards Donovan Clingan C UConn
After basically just giving Daniel Gafford away, the Wizards need to bulk up the front court, and 7-foot-2 center Clingan meets that need. He can protect the paint and rebound as well as anyone, and you can’t teach tall.
Houston Rockets Reed Sheppard SG / PG Kentucky
Though the pick might be considered controversial, Sheppard is exactly what the Rockets need: three-point shooting and distribution. He can play both guard spots and also brings real off-ball defense. Fits with Ime Udoka’s system on D.
San Antonio Spurs Robert Dillingham PG Kentucky
San Antonio needs a point guard, and with the injuries to Nikola Topic recently, he may not be a risk they’re willing to take. Dillingham dazzles with speed and skill and will bring a real offensive punch to SA.
Detroit Pistons Zaccharie Risacher PF / SF JL Bourg
Risacher spent some time at no. 1 on many boards, and his recent performances have inspired hope for many scouts. Pistons need to take a flier on “best ceiling” here, and Risacher at this spot probably fits that need.
Charlotte Hornets Ron Holland II SF / PF Ignite
No. 1 to start the year for a lot of scouts, Holland still demonstrated dynamic athleticism, rebounding, and defense. For a franchise that needs to move on from Miles Bridges, Holland can slot right in.
Portland Trail Blazers Dalton Knecht SG / SF Tennessee
Arguably the best movement shooter in the draft, Dalton Knecht can help out an offense that finished 27th in ORtg last season. He can play next to Sharpe and Henderson, and is a real weapon when coming off of screens.
San Antonio Spurs Stephon Castle SG / PG UConn
A Marcus Smart type player, Stephon Castle helped UConn to win a second national title in a row last season. He wants to play lead guard in the league, but will need some work before he’s able to effectively. Fits Spurs system.
Options at 9
As a reminder, this mock draft exercise does not include trades up, down, or out off the board.
“Upside picks”
Matas Buzelis. Buzelis has mainly been mocked in the top-8 in most national ones but falls here — shows the variance in this draft. I’m not the highest on him, but I understand the appeal. He’s a huge wing (6’10” in shoes) that’s a good weak-side rim protector, and can potentially be a 3-level scorer. I’m not just sold on the shooting and playmaking.
Cody Williams. Another “big wing” swing, Williams has the framework to be a 3-and-D+ wing, but he needs to add more strength and show the outside shot is real on good volume.
Yves Missi. Missi is a raw talent, but has the motor and size to be an energetic rim-runner that can also protect the rim and defend in space.
Nikola Topic. Topic may be the no-brainer here for most teams. For Memphis, I’m not sold on his fit next to Ja Morant, because of his subpar shooting and defense. The injury doesn’t scare me, as plenty of prospects have overcome pre-draft injuries to become good NBA players. It still wouldn’t make me feel easy picking the injured player after year ravaged with injuries.
Ja’Kobe Walter. Walter fits the 3-and-D mold from the guard spot, but it’s all still too much in theory.
“Safer picks”
Zach Edey. Edey is the most popular “safe pick,” as his rebounding and screening fill huge gaps in the Grizzlies’ system. People will question his scheme versatility, but he’s going to be a monster drop defender at 7’4” with a 7’10” wingspan.
Tristan Da Silva. Da Silva would be the safest pick as the wing, as he’s a big forward that can shoot. You can never have too much shooting with size.
Devin Carter. Son of Grizzlies’ assistant coach Anthony Carter, Devin Carter is an absolute hooper that plays bigger than his size with his rebounding and defensive event creation.
Jared McCain. McCain might be one of the safest freshmen in the draft, as he’s a versatile shooter that may have some hidden creation upside. Despite his height, his frame allows him to absorb contact in on-ball defense.
Final judgement: In a trade situation, late-lottery or mid-first round teams will likely try to trade up for Matas Buzelis. In this instance, I’m looking to trade up, down, or out, but that’d be breaking the rules. With the way the board falls, I’d likely go Zach Edey. There’s no “best player available” here, as the board is pretty flat. Edey has the highest floor and has the easiest pathway to contribute immediately for the Memphis Grizzlies.
How my preferences would go: Edey, McCain, Missi, Topic, Carter
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