Draft Outlook
Coming off their first trip to the postseason in four years, Memphis wants to continue to build around sensational point guard Ja Morant and promising forward Jaren Jackson Jr. The roster already contains solid veterans in Dillon Brooks, Kyle Anderson and Jonas Valanciunas. But if we’re going off the Grizzlies’ recent track record, you can expect the team to go after heady players that are able to contribute as rookies. That’s the route Memphis took in the last two drafts in making deals to acquire Brandon Clarke and Desmond Bane, who consequently finished their first seasons on the All-Rookie team.
A Stat That Matters
1 — The Grizzlies led the league in fast break points (17.3), points in the paint (55.8) and second chance points (15.0) per game. Only one other team (New Orleans) ranked in the Top 10 in all three.
The Way To Go
At No. 17, there’s plenty of options. The Grizzlies could use more shooting. So, if we’re considering that in addition to players that fit the mold of heady and ready to contribute right away, expect Memphis to strongly consider a player such as Oregon’s Chris Duarte. Interestingly, he’s older than both Morant and Jackson, and he can help a Grizzlies squad that ranked 20th in 3-point percentage. Duarte shot 42.4% from deep last season.
Under Contract
G: Grayson Allen
G: Desmond Bane
G: Tyus Jones
G: John Konchar
G: De’Anthony Melton
G: Ja Morant
G/F: Kyle Anderson
G/F: Dillon Brooks
F: Brandon Clarke
F: Sean McDermott
F: Xavier Tillman
F/C: Jaren Jackson Jr.
F/C: Jontay Porter
C: Jonas Valanciunas
Free Agents
G: Tim Frazier (unrestricted)
F/C: Killian Tillie (restricted)
G/F: Justise Winslow (team option)
> 2021 Free Agent Tracker
Last Year’s Draft
2020: Desmond Bane (30)*, Xavier Tillman Sr. (35)*
* = acquired via trade
— Michael C. Wright