Memphis Grizzlies: Mike Conley’s injury makes drafting a point guard essential

As the “tanking” conversation intensifies, the Memphis Grizzlies’ number one priority for the draft should be finding Mike Conley’s eventual replacement.

Since Mike Conley became the starting point guard, the Memphis Grizzlies have gone through this brutal never-ending cycle of finding his backup point guard. They’ve gone to the draft, but every one they pick — Greivis Vasquez, Tony Wroten and Wade Baldwin — only lasts a year on the team.  To replenish their draft blunders (side-note: Vasquez wasn’t one, but that’s a different conversation), they’ve turned to veterans. While they’ve helped, they were nothing more than short-term answers.

For awhile, this strategy has been nice, particularly because of Conley’s excellence. Now as Conley is a 30-year old point guard with injury problems, they need to look to the future soon. 

The Memphis Grizzlies might have a decent lottery pick this year. If Marvin Bagley isn’t on the board, they need to target a point guard. This year’s draft isn’t as loaded with point guards as the 2017 class. However, there are two main guys they should keep an eye on.

Alabama’s Collin Sexton and Oklahoma’s Trae Young are two players who have solidified top-10 status and could break into the top-five.

Which player is best fit for the Memphis Grizzlies? Who should the Grizzlies pursue?

What Sexton brings

For the “Young Bull,” you can’t question his heart. He was the engine that drove Alabama when they nearly came back on University of Minnesota while playing 3-on-5. 

He’s proving himself as a capable scorer, shooting 47.1 percent from downtown and getting to the free throw line 10 times per game (75.6 percent from there). Going into college, no one knew how good a shooter he’d become. As the season heats up, his jumper will be under a microscope.

One of the most interesting aspects of his game is his ability to get the rim. Because of his 6’3″, 190 pound build and his relentless aggression, he finds himself at the rim consistently. In return, he gets to the line plenty of times.

Defensively, he has the tools to be a perennial All-Defensive team member for years. With his 6’7″ wingspan, he has no problems guarding either backcourt position. He has the quickness to stay in front of his opposition. With his bullish style of play, he can be a defensive stopper at worst.

Nobody knows if Collin Sexton will become John Wall or Johnny Flynn. However, if the Grizzlies keep Conley, he’s a guard who could be the backup next year. With his size, he can also play alongside Conley. If everything goes right, he can be a future leader on this team.

Related Story: 2018 draft outlook

What Young brings

If you haven’t watched Trae Young play yet, you need to make it a priority.

Young is the most exciting player in college basketball right now, and he’ll only continue climbing up the draft board. As a freshman, he’s leading the country in scoring (28.8 points per game). He’s also dropping 8.9 dimes a game, tied for second in the nation. Young has shown a deft touch from outside, shooting 37.5 percent on 9.8 attempts per game. Even at his size (6’2″, 180 pounds), he can still finish in the paint in traffic.

In addition, he’s a wizard handling the basketball. I mean, LOOK AT THIS:

Not to mention, he’s an extraordinary passer who might be the decade’s best dime-dropping prospects — behind Ricky Rubio and Lonzo Ball.

The Steph Curry comparisons have been hot with Trae Young. Right now, they have legs. He looks legit.

He’s the perfect point guard who can grow under Conley before taking the NBA by storm.

Who should they go with?

When someone is being compared to an all-time great, you go with that prospect.

No disrespect to Sexton — who can be an exceptional point guard — but what Trae Young brings to the table is impeccable. How many prospects in the past decade have been compared to Steph Curry? Just Trae Young!

If the Grizzlies can’t get Bagley or Doncic, they need to pick Trae Young. Passing on him could be a repeat of the 2009 draft when the Grizzlies passed on James Harden and Curry.

As the Memphis Grizzlies’ goes to shambles, the draft conversations are only heating up. Pay attention to Collin Sexton and Trae Young. One of them could become the future point guard for the Grizzlies.