The last time the Memphis Grizzlies entered an offseason without a first-round draft pick, they traded into the last pick of the first round to select.....you guessed it, Desmond Bane in 2020. Well, the Grizzlies entered this offseason without a first-round selection after sending it away when they traded Marcus Smart at the NBA trade deadline in February.
This time, the Grizzlies traded Desmond Bane to acquire four first-round draft picks, including the 16th pick in the draft later this week. With such short notice on prospects to pursue in a week after making the trade, the team had to schedule late workouts to gauge draft targets within their range if they decide to keep the pick.
While trading the pick to acquire more veterans to a relatively young but ready-to-contend team is craved by the fanbase, general manager Zach Kleiman loves adding intriguing young talent to their roster. This draft has some depth at positions of need for the Grizzlies, and based on their current draft position, here are targets they should consider:
1. Cedric Coward, SF, Washington State
He feels like the favorite to land in Memphis after being listed as their selection on ESPN's mock draft, among others. He followed a similar path to Grizzlies' Rookie of the Year finalist Jaylen Wells after beginning his collegiate career in Division III before finishing at Washington State last season (Wells began his career in Division II).
Coward is listed at 6'6" with a 7'2" wingspan, and recently worked out with the Grizzlies after averaging 17.7 and 7.0 rebounds in an injury-riddled season last year. He possesses the upside on defense and as a shooter (38% career three-point shooter) the team needs at the small forward position.
2. Nique Clifford, SG/SF, Colorado State
Memphis Tigers fans are familiar with Nique Clifford after he led his Colorado State team to an upset over them in the first round of the NCAA tournament back in March. He led the Rams in scoring (18.9), rebounding (9.6), assists (4.4), and steals (1.2) per game in his senior year last season.
He is a jack of all trades type of player, listed at 6'6", who could play any position between the 1 - 3 as a point forward type of player. An underrated skill set the Grizzlies need at the small forward position is an additional ball handler and rebounder, and he checks off both boxes. He also shot over 37% from three in his last two seasons after transferring from Colorado.