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5 Players The Memphis Grizzlies Should Target at #17

By Parker Fleming

Jun 25, 2015; Brooklyn, NY, USA; General view of the full first round draft board at the conclusion of the first round of the 2015 NBA Draft at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 25, 2015; Brooklyn, NY, USA; General view of the full first round draft board at the conclusion of the first round of the 2015 NBA Draft at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports /
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Mar 8, 2016; Washington, DC, USA; Florida State Seminoles guard Malik Beasley (5) shots the ball as Boston College Eagles forward Aser Ghebremichael (21) defends in the first half during round one of the ACC Conference tournament at Verizon Center. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 8, 2016; Washington, DC, USA; Florida State Seminoles guard Malik Beasley (5) shots the ball as Boston College Eagles forward Aser Ghebremichael (21) defends in the first half during round one of the ACC Conference tournament at Verizon Center. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports /

Honorable Mention: Too Much of a Reach

These players would be quality prospects for the Memphis Grizzlies; however, they may seem like a reach at the 17th pick. If the Grizzlies look to make a trade to acquire another pick in the top 35, these prospects should be in consideration.

Malik Beasley

Beasley is a bit undersized for the 2-guard spot at 6’4″, 185 pounds and doesn’t have elite off-ball shot creativity or defense. However, he can light up the scoreboard at an efficient rate (15.6 points per game on 47 percent shooting and 39 percent from 3).

Beasley can be a spot-up shooter at the next level or can either start or become a sixth man.

However, because he does not have the playmaking tools of a point guard and does not have the size to guard most starting 2-guards in the NBA, picking him at No. 17 is a reach, but not out of question.

Stephen Zimmerman

Zimmerman’s circumstances were unfortunate this past season: injury, coaching change and poor usage. Once thought of as a potential lottery pick, he is more than likely bound for the late first round.

Because of his mobility and size, if the Grizzlies can acquire a second pick into the late first round, they should really eye Zimmerman as a future Marc Gasol replacement. Seven-foot big men with a shooting touch are hard to come by.

At No. 17, he may be a reach; however, at say No. 23 or No. 26, he may become more enticing.

Malachi Richardson

Richardson’s freaky size should have scouts raving (6’6″ wing with a 7’0″ wingspan). What may hurt his draft stock is his wild inefficiency (13.4 points on 36 percent shooting and 35 percent from 3). He’ll be an ideal fit if the Grizzlies can trade back.

With his length and guidance from All-Defensive player Tony Allen, Richardson can become a scary good 3-and-D wing. Because he is currently a raw prospect, his draft stock is all over the place. Some view him as a lottery to late first round prospect.

If the Memphis Grizzlies want to wait, he’ll be a fine pick; however, there are prospects who are just as good, if not better at the moment.

Thon Maker

Maker, perhaps the most polarizing prospect in this draft, has the tools to succeed in the NBA: he’s tall, can handle the ball, shoot the 3-ball, and block shots. Add 20 pounds and D-1 experience, and he may be a top 10 prospect.

However, his lack of experience and weight will prevent him from seeing much court-time next year. Maker is definitely a prospect that is two or three years away from being ready, which is too much of a risk to pick at No. 17 for the Memphis Grizzlies.

Next: 5. Demetrius Jackson

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