2. Tyler Ulis
Tyler Ulis is not the biggest guy on the court. Actually, he’s the smallest guy on the court. At 5’10” and 149 pounds, Ulis lacks the size that most elite point guards possess. There is no denying his talent, though.
He won SEC Player of the Year, SEC Defensive Player of the Year, and was a 1st-Team All-American. Yes, a 5’10” Tyler Ulis won SEC Player of the Year over likely No. 1 overall pick Ben Simmons.
Tyler Ulis must be coming into the draft with a chip on his shoulder. In a recent interview, Tyler Ulis said:
"“I feel like if I was 6-1, 6-2 I’d be No. 1 or No. 2, but I’m not 6-1, 6-2. I’m 5-9. I got what I have, I love it, I feel like I’ve worked for what I got. I’m just going to keep playing.”"
Starting point guard Mike Conley and waived backup point guard Mario Chalmers aren’t guaranteed to come back next year. Grooming a prospect like Tyler Ulis could prove to be beneficial.
He was the floor general for Kentucky this year because of his leadership skills and high basketball IQ. During his sophomore year, Ulis averaged 17 points and seven assists (against only two turnovers).
He can also operate in the pick-and-roll and in the open floor, which would be nice for backup center Brandan Wright and backup power forwards JaMychal Green and Jarrell Martin.
The Memphis Grizzlies can not lose drafting Tyler Ulis. At the least, they get a very capable backup point guard. At most? They get a point guard who plays with a chip on his shoulder and displays the Isaiah Thomas-like talent.
Next: 1. Denzel Valentine