NBA Draft 2024: What Should the Memphis Grizzlies do on Draft Night?
After finishing the last two seasons as the number two seed in the Western Conference, the Memphis Grizzlies have taken a massive step back due to Ja Morant missing over a quarter of the season due to suspension and Steven Adams missing the entirety of the season.
Now, with Morant recently having season-ending surgery to prioritize his health, it’s clear Memphis won’t be competing for a championship and is likely to miss the play-in tournament.
They currently have the sixth-worst record in the league, with just a 9% chance of landing the number one overall pick. What happens if they win the lottery this year despite having a great trio in Morant, Desmond Bane and Jaren Jackson Jr.? Let’s dive into their options:
The consensus favorite to go No. 1 overall is Alexandre Sarr out of the NBL. Sarr is the younger brother of Olivier Sarr who plays for the Oklahoma City Thunder.
The Grizzlies have their elite scoring guards in Morant and Bane, so drafting a big like Sarr makes a ton of sense for the way their roster is already constructed. The 7-foot-1 big man brings elite defensive versatility and with a potential big man duo of Sarr and Jackson we could witness a special defensive big man duo.
With the fire power the Grizzlies have, Sarr wouldn’t be asked to create his own offense or forced into a tough position offensively. Also factoring in Morant’s special playmaking ability and constant rim pressure it will open up a ton of looks for the skilled prospect. Sarr is an athletic finisher that can stretch the floor out to three or the mid-range area. The next step for him is to consistently make the right passing reads out of the short roll, drives and the low post.
Another really interesting scenario we could see is if the Grizzlies elect to trade the number one pick to potentially land a star or superstar caliber player to add to their already talented roster. It’s kind of unknown what players would be available for trade come June, but in just about every single offseason in recent memory we have seen a big name traded, so the Grizzlies would have full leverage to make that happen if the opportunity presents itself.
Some other options the Grizzlies would have at the No. 1 pick is Nikola Topic, a 6-foot-6 lead guard that constantly pressures the rim with good playmaking chops but would be a bit of an odd fit next to Morant. Zaccharie Risacher would be a safe three-and-D pick at the wing position but doesn’t have the upside you would swing for at number one. Despite the bad year Ignite has had, Ron Holland is still in the running to be the No. 1 overall pick, as he would bring energy, defensive versatility and some offense to any squad.
Overall the Grizzlies will be one of the most interesting stories heading into the offseason and the lottery could really alter their future as long as they play their cards right. They already have the pieces to compete in the west if they are fully healthy, but adding a top pick in the draft with built up hunger could put them over the hump in the playoffs.
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