5 Players The Memphis Grizzlies Should Target at #17

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 13, 2016; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Michigan State Spartans guard Denzel Valentine (45) brings the ball up court against Purdue Boilermakers guard P.J. Thompson (3) during the Big Ten conference tournament at Bankers Life Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 13, 2016; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Michigan State Spartans guard Denzel Valentine (45) brings the ball up court against Purdue Boilermakers guard P.J. Thompson (3) during the Big Ten conference tournament at Bankers Life Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports /

1. Denzel Valentine

Versatility and 3-point shooting. These are two things the Memphis Grizzlies have been missing since the departure of Rudy Gay. Denzel Valentine was arguably the best all-around offensive player in the nation last season.

National Player of the Year Denzel Valentine would probably be a top five pick if he were a freshman or sophomore. As a senior prospect, Valentine ranges from the lottery to the 23rd pick.

Valentine’s stats were off the charts: 19 points, 7.5 rebounds, and roughly eight assists on 44 percent shooting from 3. His offensive versatility allows him to either operate an offense at point, play off the ball at the 2 or 3, or play a small ball 4 because of his rebounding ability.

One drawback that hurts his draft stock is his slow foot-speed that leads to below-average defense.

Luckily for the Memphis Grizzlies, they have Tony Allen to hide Denzel Valentine’s liability on defense. If they bring back Lance Stephenson or Matt Barnes, it will help him even more.

Adding a 4-year player like Denzel Valentine allows the Grizzlies to use a rookie that can help them both now and for the future. If Valentine does live up to the Draymond Green comparisons, they will find themselves a future cornerstone at the 17th pick.