Memphis Grizzlies: 15 best NBA Draft picks of all time
Pick Analysis. C/PF. player. 211. Scouting Report. 2015 - Round: 1 / Pick: 25. Jarell Martin. 14
6-foot-10, athletic, runs the floor like a small forward. Jarell Martin’s physical talents made him one of the SEC’s top prospects (along with most of Kentucky’s roster) in 2015 and the Grizzlies took him at the end of the first round.
He battled injuries and spent significant time in the D-League over his first two years as a pro., appearing in 69 games total.
Due to a combination of factors including Zach Randolph’s departure, Martin’s development, and his health through most of the year, his third season was by far the best of his career. In 73 games, he made 36 starts and put up career highs in points (7.7), rebounds (4.4), assists (1.0), blocks per game (0.7), and field goal percentage (44.6 percent). Those stats can be taken with a grain of salt since they were compiled during a 22-win season.
The Grizzlies chose to exercise the fourth-year team option from his rookie contract last October. This means Martin will be in Memphis for at least one more season before becoming an unrestricted free agent in 2019.
His position on this list is likely not a primary focus, especially going into a contract year. However in addition to his future in the NBA and millions of dollars, he could move up with a solid 2018-19 NBA season.