Memphis Grizzlies: A Super Early Look at the 2018 NBA Draft

Jun 22, 2017; Brooklyn, NY, USA; NBA prospects pose for a group photo with NBA commissioner Adam Silver before the first round of the 2017 NBA Draft at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 22, 2017; Brooklyn, NY, USA; NBA prospects pose for a group photo with NBA commissioner Adam Silver before the first round of the 2017 NBA Draft at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports /
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Mar 23, 2017; Kansas City, MO, USA; Kansas Jayhawks guard Lagerald Vick (2) goes up for a shot during the second half against the Purdue Boilermakers in the semifinals of the midwest Regional of the 2017 NCAA Tournament at Sprint Center. Kansas defeated Purdue 98-66. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 23, 2017; Kansas City, MO, USA; Kansas Jayhawks guard Lagerald Vick (2) goes up for a shot during the second half against the Purdue Boilermakers in the semifinals of the midwest Regional of the 2017 NCAA Tournament at Sprint Center. Kansas defeated Purdue 98-66. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports /

Homecomings

Next year’s draft features some Memphians who could very well make their cases as NBA prospects. Both players play key roles on two of the country’s best teams. If Kansas’ LaGerald Vick and Gonzaga’s Johnathan Williams continue to show out on the nation’s biggest stages, they could end up wearing that Beale Street blue in 2018.

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LaGerald Vick

Vick has the ability to be a dynamic sixth man in the NBA. He can score buckets in a hurry, get to the rim and finish over anyone, and shoot the 3-ball. Because of his athleticism and shot-making, he has a place in the league. If he can become a better all-around defender, he’d be a steal for anyone in the second round.

Johnathan “J3” Williams III

Williams’ age will hurt him in next year’s draft as he’s entering his redshirt senior year, but he has the tools to be a productive NBA player. He can run the floor, which is important for any big man in this new-age of NBA basketball. In addition, he can harass ball-handler when defending the pick-and-roll. Williams may not be drafted next year, but he’d be a nice addition to the Memphis Hustle G-League team.