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

No. 2: They wasted another first-round pick … kind of

To acquire the rights to Deyonta Davis and Rade Zagorac, they gave up the Clippers’ lottery-protected first-round pick in 2019 they received in the Jeff Green deal. Now, Zagorac is no longer on the team, and Davis looks like a giant question mark.

With the Memphis Grizzlies already owing their own pick in 2019, why would they give up on this one so easily?

If the Grizzlies did fall outside the top eight, they’d be left without a first-round pick. Given the Clippers are on the same trajectory, Memphis Grizzlies could’ve easily capitalized to land a pick between 15-20.

If the Grizzlies needed one more piece to solidify a playoff spot in the 2018-19 season, they could’ve moved the pick for a player that would’ve actually helped the team. Not for Deyonta Davis and Rade Zagorac.

If the Clippers’ pick and the 2019 draft class look good, the front office should receive heavy scrutiny for this trade.

Now, Deyonta Davis is under pressure to succeed since the Grizzlies already gave up on two 2016 draft picks. If there’s no promise with Deyonta, then this draft would be a big failure for Memphis.