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Grizzlies ‘Made No Promise,’ Now Eyeing UVA’s Anderson?

By Christian Dudley

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Mar 20, 2015; Charlotte, NC, USA; Virginia Cavaliers guard Justin Anderson (1) reacts to a play during the second half against the Belmont Bruins in the second round of the 2015 NCAA Tournament at Time Warner Cable Arena. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports

The draft promise to Jarell Martin is seeming to be false while the Memphis Grizzlies may be seriously targeting Justin Anderson of Virginia.

We shared information just over one day ago of the possibility of a potential Draft promise handed down from the Memphis Grizzlies to NBA hopeful Jarell Martin. The promise, of course, being that if he is available at the No. 25 selection in Thursday’s NBA Draft, the Grizzlies would want to snatch him up. However, the Milwaukee Bucks (17th overall pick) might have given Martin a similar guarantee.

That all may not matter at all because the rumors regarding the Memphis Grizzlies giving a “promise” have been deemed as being absolutely fictional. For now.

Could there be another player that the Memphis Grizzlies truly believe will be available at the 25th overall pick that they want to gobble up as soon as their name hits the clock?

The answer is looking like yes–at least as of the close of Tuesday evening.

Chris Vernon of 92.9 FM ESPN in Memphis had the information on the Grizzlies’ latest interest as well as the “false” guarantee.

Are you wondering who is Justin Anderson? Grizz Nation, take a quick look at this YouTube video brought to you by DraftExpress.

I have been seeing Anderson’s name pop up in relation to the Grizzlies’ lone selection in this year’s Draft via recent mocks. Justin seems to be a solid shooter that could give Memphis’ bench a much-needed boost. Although I am a big fan of Jordan Adams and giving him minutes as a wing, I am all for the team adding shooters and scorers. That particular area is something that has been an issue for as long as Zach Randolph has been with the Grizzlies (to put the issue in major perspective).

Jan 22, 2015; Charlottesville, VA, USA; Virginia Cavaliers guard Justin Anderson (1) attempts to shoot the ball as Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets center Demarco Cox (4) defends in the second half at John Paul Jones Arena. The Cavaliers won 57-28. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports

One major thing that impresses me (i.e. Justin Anderson) is that he shot 45.2% from three-point land last season as a junior in college–up from 29.4% the previous year on nearly the same amount of long-distance attempts. If he can remain somewhere around 40% from deep in the NBA, the Memphis Grizzlies need to do whatever they can to add this young man to the roster. Literally let it fly, Anderson!

Justin is a 6’6″ guard, but could he slide up to be a small forward in some instances in the association? That may be his best calling if the Grizz do select him on Thursday night.

Grizz Nation, what do you think of a Justin Anderson selection? Do you believe he will be a project player in the NBA or could he help a team immediately? He weighs 227 pounds and appears bulky enough to go straight at any defenders that may have a slight height advantage on him at a wing position.

Even with the 2015 NBA Draft being less than 48 hours away until start time, there is a lot of water to go under the bridge between now and then. Let the rumors and speculation roll!

Continue to check with Beale Street Bears for the latest 2015 NBA Draft news and information regarding your Memphis Grizzlies!

Go Grizz!

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