Memphis Grizzlies: 4 reasons the 2016 draft could come back to bite

No. 1: The Memphis Grizzlies wasted another first-round pick

Here’s the obvious.

The Memphis Grizzlies gave up on another first-round pick. While first-round picks don’t guarantee on-court success, the Grizzlies have to get one right eventually. Since the turn of the decade, not a single first-round pick has made it to the end of his rookie deal with the Grizzlies. (Note: Jarell Martin has a chance to break this trend). Wade Baldwin also became the fourth first-round pick the Grizzlies have moved after one season since 2010.

It’s understandable to see why Wade Baldwin might have been the right pick at the time. For one, national analysts thought it would be a great idea to compare the guy to Russell Westbrook. He had a smooth shooting stroke (42.2 percent from downtown for his career). He had the size and defensive potential to be a combo guard. Baldwin looked the part of a “3-and-D” combo guard. More importantly, he filled a need where he can step up either behind Conley or as the starting point guard in a rebuild.

Instead, he was the complete opposite. He couldn’t find his outside touch. He looked lost offensively and defensively. The most important takeaway was that he didn’t know how to be a floor general.

The Grizzlies had other options. They were high on Malachi Richardson, who offers more scoring and shooting promise than any other wing. If they went down the point guard route, they could’ve went with Tyler Ulis or Dejounte Murray. They could’ve avoided the Clippers trade by drafting promising big man Skal Labissiere.

Hindsight is 20/20 obviously, but giving up on a first-round pick this early isn’t the best route by any means.