The Memphis Grizzlies enter the All-Star break, closing the season with high lottery aspirations. Who are some prospects to keep an eye on?
The Memphis Grizzlies are in an air-tight race for lottery position.
There are 1.5 games that separate the worst team (the one with the highest lottery odds) and the seventh-worst team. The tank race is on, and it could get pretty ugly.
For the Grizzlies, it surely doesn’t look like they’re “tanking.” Both Marc Gasol and Tyreke Evans are playing over 30 minutes a night. They brought back Chandler Parsons after over a month of dealing with knee soreness. They have a coach that is fighting for a job. It simply looks like a talent issue — and a “no Mike Conley” problem.
With that being said, Grizzlies fans are paying attention to the draft boards for the first time in years. Surely it’s led to Twitter debates, but it’s something to look forward to for the future.
If the Grizzlies get the number one pick — or even land in the top-five — they could find a franchise-altering talent. There are Marc Gasol replacements (DeAndre Ayton or Mo Bamba) and Mike Conley replacements (Collin Sexton or Trae Young). In addition, guys like Marvin Bagley, Luke Doncic, Michael Porter Jr. and Jaren Jackson Jr. could contribute to the Grizzlies’ playoff push next season.
If the Memphis Grizzlies get the number one pick, what should their big board look like?