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5 players the Memphis Grizzlies should’ve picked over Wade Baldwin

By Parker Fleming

Wade Baldwin Memphis Grizzlies Photo by Joe Murphy/NBAE via Getty Images)
Wade Baldwin Memphis Grizzlies Photo by Joe Murphy/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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OAKLAND, CA – OCTOBER 13: Malachi Richardson
OAKLAND, CA – OCTOBER 13: Malachi Richardson /

No. 5: Malachi Richardson

The Memphis Grizzlies should’ve just kept their promise.

Prior to the NBA draft, there were rumors going around that the Grizzlies promised to select Syracuse swingman Malachi Richardson with the 17th pick. Contrary to popular belief, the Grizzlies indeed bluffed and didn’t take Richardson.

Out of college, he was known for his elite athleticism, smooth shooting stroke and crazy build. Sounds familiar, right?

Wrong. He could’ve been a different story.

He didn’t get to show much in his rookie season — the struggle of being Dave Joerger’s rookie. However, Dave Fizdale would’ve given him the opportunity to earn NBA minutes early in his career.

Unlike any of the wings on both last year and this year’s roster, Richardson has real scoring potential. He can score off the dribble and from deep. Not to mention, his long arms make his shot difficult for opposing wings to block.

Due to his scoring potential, the Grizzlies could’ve stuck with their promise with Malachi Richardson. He’s a player who could’ve easily become the team’s shooting guard of the future.

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