That Memphis Grizzly ended the season as one of the NBA’s surprise stories, but now they have to capitalize on that success.
The Grizzlies have two first-round picks (22nd and 29th overall) and one second-round pick (47th) in Thursday night’s NBA draft (7pm ESPN). Memphis is in a unique position where it can build on its success by trading up, down, or staying.
General manager Zach Kleiman has a high success rate in recent first round picks. Here’s a look at the possible design scenarios for the Grizzlies:
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Stay in place
The Grizzlies drafted Desmond Bane’s # 30 two seasons ago and Brandon Clarke’s # 21 in 2019. Both players topped their positions in the draft.
Kleiman and the front office have demonstrated their ability to find older collegiate players with clear strengths. The Grizzlies needed players who could jump in and play right away, but the situation is different after a record 56-win season in the franchise. Yes, Morant, Bane and Jaren Jackson Jr. are all signed as starters, while the other starters from last season Dillon Brooks and Steven Adams are signed as well. Memphis can afford to stand still and take more risks on younger potential customers with higher capitalizations, while still depending on their development system.
Act
Climbing the ranks is usually an indication that a team has their eyes on someone and is not allowing that player to escape. When Grizzlies trade, they are likely to do so to add another member to their core. Morant and Jackson have already been described by Kleiman as milestones and Bane’s final season suggests that he too will move into that class. If Memphis has to go up, that leaves another position on the wing and center, the starting points of Brooks and Adams, as the probable two for a pick. Grizzlies manager Taylor Jenkins and Morant are among those high up on the side of Grizzlies winger Ziaire Williams, so center will be the likely target.
The Charlotte Hornets have 13th and 15th picks and are said to be interested in purchasing one of the picks. Center is also in great need for Charlotte, but trading for a player like Jalen Duren or Mark Williams seems like the clearest scenario for Memphis.
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Trade (or exit)
If the Grizzlies give in to the draft, chances are they’ll use the pick to acquire another veteran asset. Although changes in the starting lineup are not a certainty, the upcoming free agencies of Kyle Anderson and Tyus Jones could leave holes in the depth of the bench. One way Memphis can ensure they get the man they want is to swap current players who are under contract for first-round picks. If you remove the limit that Grizzlies’ free agents hold, Memphis should have about $ 24 million in cap. according to the Spotrac professional sports payroll database. Kleiman said he wouldn’t invest too much in the limit space at his end-of-season press conference, but he also credited the three draft picks as a reason. If Memphis strays from his choices, $ 24 million is more than enough to acquire potential pieces of depth. Last year’s 29th pick was used for the same example when the Phoenix Suns took on backup shooter Landry Shamet.
Contact Damichael Cole at [email protected] and on Twitter @damichele
