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Frontcourt Prospect Back in Play for Memphis Grizzlies?

By Christian Dudley

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Jan 22, 2015; Boulder, CO, USA; Colorado Buffaloes student section attempt to distract Washington Huskies center Robert Upshaw (24) free throw in the second half at the Coors Events Center. The Huskies defeated the Buffaloes 52-50. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports

NBA hopeful Robert Upshaw was a strong candidate to be drafted by the Memphis Grizzlies until he ran into a health-related red flag, but has now been cleared.

Robert Upshaw, a 6’11” center weighing in at 255 pounds, is an incredibly intriguing prospect that many teams are spending plenty of time analyzing as the June 25th NBA Draft draws near.

One of those teams includes the Memphis Grizzlies.

Even though Marc Gasol is said to be leaning toward staying in his home away from home–Memphis–with the Grizzlies, his backup, Kosta Koufos, could very well be leaving as a free-agent. In the scenario of Gasol staying and Koufos leaving, the Grizz would definitely need to add a true center to their team to hold down the bench. A player that could contribute immediately would be ideal for this particular role.

Upshaw could easily be the perfect candidate for the job. He comes with some red flags of his past, but thankfully, he has been cleared of his latest hiccup in his road to the NBA.

The Memphis Grizzlies selecting Robert Upshaw could be a very safe pick value-wise from the start. It could even result in being very rewarding–especially if he is still available by selection No. 25, which the Grizzlies own in the 2015 NBA Draft.

Even if the Grizzlies play the Draft extra-safely and select based off of “best available” once they are on the clock, Robert Upshaw may still be their guy in that given situation.

Dec 22, 2014; Seattle, WA, USA; Washington Huskies center Robert Upshaw (24) blocks a shot against the Tulane Green Wave during the first half at Alaska Airlines Arena. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports

Though Upshaw has stated that his problems are over and in the past and his health has been determined to be fine for playing professional basketball, the Grizzlies still have a solid veteran squad that can keep him motivated and focused while he lives the NBA lifestyle. It could be a perfect match to turn Upshaw into a formidable NBA player–a solid defenseman at the center position at the very least.

Would you, Grizz Nation, support a selection of Upshaw by your Memphis Grizzlies?

In case you have not heard or seen much of Robert Upshaw and what he brings to the basketball court, check out this video from DraftExpress.

Go Grizz!

Next: Marc Gasol Remaining in Memphis?

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