Memphis Grizzlies: 5 Worst Picks in Franchise History

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Apr 22, 2017; Memphis, TN, USA; An overall view before the game between the Memphis Grizzlies and the San Antonio Spurs in game four of the first round of the 2017 NBA Playoffs at FedExForum. Mandatory Credit: Justin Ford-USA TODAY Sports /

The NBA draft is all about swinging. Some take huge whiffs but end up missing. What were some of the Memphis Grizzlies’ biggest misses in franchise history?

If you have only been a fan for the past seven seasons, you never experienced the trying times of being a Memphis Grizzlies’ fan. In Vancouver, they never reached the 30-win mark. In the few first years in Memphis, they missed the playoffs. After three straight playoff appearances from 2004-2006, they missed the postseason four seasons in a row. Then, they’re where they are today.

With the losing comes lottery picks. When you have the luxury of drafting in the top-14, you have the chance to land one of the most prized players in the NBA. A player that could jumpstart and ignite something new in the arena. Someone who could change the entire franchise. Maybe, someone who could end up becoming one of the all-time greats.

However, when you’re taking a Major League swings, you could end up looking like a batter trying to hit Clayton Kershaw’s curveball.

STRIKEOUT.

While the Memphis Grizzlies have drafted quality players like Pau Gasol, Shane Battier and Mike Conley, they’re more well known for their blunders. You know like when they passed on STEPH CURRY AND JAMES HARDEN FOR HASHEEM THABEET. Ok, back to lower case. Or, when they had Kevin Love but gave him up for OJ Mayo.

The list goes on and on, but I’m here to break that down. Who are some of the worst draft picks in franchise history? More importantly, who could have they gotten instead?

Go get your tissue boxes.

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