Beale Street Bears
Fansided

Memphis Grizzlies: 5 Worst Picks in Franchise History

By Parker Fleming

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
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 /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
5 of 7
Next
Sep 26, 2016; Memphis, TN, USA; Memphis Grizzlies guard Tony Wroten (14) poses for a picture at Don Poier Media Center. Mandatory Credit: Justin Ford-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 26, 2016; Memphis, TN, USA; Memphis Grizzlies guard Tony Wroten (14) poses for a picture at Don Poier Media Center. Mandatory Credit: Justin Ford-USA TODAY Sports /

No. 2: Tony Wroten (No. 25 in 2012)

It’s kind of harsh to say that a 25th draft pick was one of the worst in franchise history, but it’s the truth.

In efforts to find a backup point guard for Mike Conley, the Grizzlies turned to the draft as a solution. They saw Tony Wroten as a big, explosive guard who could facilitate the offense and play hard-nosed defense.

But he proved them otherwise!

Whenever he played, Wroten was out-of-control with his ball-handling and decision-making. He had an erratic style of basketball that just … uhh … wasn’t good.

Ultimately, they went with Jerryd Bayless and Keyon Dooling to back up Conley as Wroten barely saw the court. In his rookie season, he only appeared in 35 games, scoring 91 points and dishing out 43 dimes. He didn’t make it to his second season with the team as he was traded before training camp.

Live Feed

Will the Charlotte Hornets be in the 2024 NBA Draft Lottery?
Will the Charlotte Hornets be in the 2024 NBA Draft Lottery? /

Swarm and Sting

  • Cleveland Cavaliers’ 10 biggest draft busts since 2000 King James Gospel
  • Latest 2024 mock draft has Washington Wizards land an explosive athlete Wiz of Awes
  • 3 reasons why Johnny Davis may never grow to his draft position Wiz of Awes
  • Meet Cooper Flagg: The best American prospect since LeBron James Hoops Habit
  • Where do the Washington Wizards rank in terms of future draft assets? Wiz of Awes

    • Who they could’ve picked instead

    Before I announce the biggest name they could’ve gotten, let’s go through the lighter alternatives.

    They could’ve had their small forward problem fixed with Jae Crowder. Or, they could’ve landed their Tony Allen replacement with Khris Middleton or University of Memphis product Will Barton.

    However, they should’ve drafted Draymond Green.

    The former Spartan has become one of the most polarizing, complete talents in basketball as he’s a triple-double threat every night and can play/guard all five positions on the court. They could’ve drafted him, kept Rudy Gay and traded Zach Randolph for more assets and depth.

    Could you imagine a starting 5 of Conley-TA-Rudy-Green-Gasol? Would anyone score on this team?

    You can only venture into “The Land of Make Believe” to find the answer.

    Home/Grizzlies All-Time Lists