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What to Expect from the Memphis Grizzlies in May?

By Christian Dudley

MEMPHIS, TN - FEBRUARY 23: The Memphis Grizzlies huddle before the game against the Cleveland Cavaliers on February 23, 2018 at FedExForum in Memphis, Tennessee. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Joe Murphy/NBAE via Getty Images)
MEMPHIS, TN - FEBRUARY 23: The Memphis Grizzlies huddle before the game against the Cleveland Cavaliers on February 23, 2018 at FedExForum in Memphis, Tennessee. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Joe Murphy/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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MEMPHIS, TN – FEBRUARY 23: The Memphis Grizzlies huddle before the game against the Cleveland Cavaliers on February 23, 2018 at FedExForum in Memphis, Tennessee. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Joe Murphy/NBAE via Getty Images)
MEMPHIS, TN – FEBRUARY 23: The Memphis Grizzlies huddle before the game against the Cleveland Cavaliers on February 23, 2018 at FedExForum in Memphis, Tennessee. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Joe Murphy/NBAE via Getty Images) /

Think the dog days of the NBA offseason have begun? Think again, Grizzlies fans. May has quite a bit in store! 

May marks the first full month of 2018 in which there is no Memphis Grizzlies basketball to be played.

No regular season games. No playoffs. Nothing.

Being as the Grizzlies have qualified for the NBA Playoffs in seven consecutive seasons leading up to this point, it is definitely a strange feeling.

How can our beloved Grizz squad return to sitting pretty in the NBA’s Western Conference? Take a look at the month of May’s calendar of important dates, and you can see a lot of weight stands upon the incoming rookie class.

Key Dates

  • May 15th: 2018 NBA Draft Lottery
  • May 16th: NBA Draft Combine (Day 1)
  • May 17th: NBA Draft Combine (Day 2)
  • May 18th: NBA Draft Combine (Day 3)
  • May 19th: Mario Chalmers turns 32; NBA Draft Combine (Day 4)
  • May 20th: NBA Draft Combine (Day 5)
  • May 24th: Jarell Martin turns 24

Miscellaneous Dates and Items to Watch

  • Draft prospects: workouts/interviews are tipping off
  • Additional hires by J.B. Bickerstaff to complete his assistant coaching staff

The majority of items on the docket are pertinent to June’s annual NBA Draft event. There is a lot of anxiousness surrounding this year’s Draft for the Memphis Grizzlies because it is an opportunity for the club to add a big-time, franchise-altering player. However, the last time (2009) the team had a high pick, it was a total flop.

The Combine is always popular each year, and it will be a critical time for the Grizzlies to evaluate talent prior to individual or group workouts throughout the remainder of the month and leading up to the Draft. Not only will Memphis be looking at players worthy of a top-five selection, but they will be looking at potential second-round steals.

Memphis will have an early selection in the second round. They have surprisingly been more successful with second round picks rather than first-rounders (since 2016 and only via trades).

A few examples of diamonds pulled from the second round rough include Deyonta Davis (31st overall pick in 2016), Ivan Rabb (35th overall pick in 2017), and Dillon Brooks (45th overall pick in 2017).

Call them Grizz picks if you want; regardless, Memphis has been scouting raw talent heavily in recent Draft classes, and Grizz Nation should expect no different this time around. All hands are on deck on Beale Street.

Keep your eyes glued to Beale Street Bears as your favorite panel of writers provide their thoughts and insight throughout the Memphis Grizzlies’ Draft process!

Go Grizz! 

Next: Early indications of best & safest pick to be made by Memphis?

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