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Memphis Grizzlies: What not to do with the draft pick

By Brendan Smart

CHICAGO, IL - MAY 15: NBA Draft Prospects, Trae Young and Michael Porter Jr. pose for a portrait before the NBA Draft Lottery on May 15, 2018 at The Palmer House Hilton in Chicago, Illinois. 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 David Sherman/NBAE via Getty Images)
CHICAGO, IL - MAY 15: NBA Draft Prospects, Trae Young and Michael Porter Jr. pose for a portrait before the NBA Draft Lottery on May 15, 2018 at The Palmer House Hilton in Chicago, Illinois. 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 David Sherman/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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June 21st will be without a doubt one of the biggest days in Memphis Grizzlies franchise history. It will also be General Manager Chris Wallace’s neck if the pick is a bust. So, how does Wallace make the right choice and keep his job?

Every NBA draft that I’ve seen has had very good talent, it just seems that these players get drafted by the wrong teams, and their growth levels out. Ceilings become smaller, until they are released years later, because of high expectation. In the Grizzlies case, we all remember Wade Baldwin IV. Although Baldwin’s growth was attitude and commitment to the game, majority of players fall out of love with the game because of their situation. How do the Grizzlies find their next young star?

For me, it is always the attitude test. How much does this guy analyze himself? Is he honest with himself? Is he confident in himself? In the Grizzlies case, can this guy walk into a locker room full of veterans, and learn? All of these things are a major key for the Grizzlies in the first process.

Then, what positions do we need as a basketball team? Point Guard, Shooting Guard, Power Forward, or Center. Which position needs to be filled? In Memphis’ case, it will either be a wing or a guard that can co-exist with Mike Conley. Worst case scenario (which isn’t bad either) would be a stretch four to play next to Marc Gasol down low.

LOOK AT THE PLAYERS INJURY HISTORY. It can not be that hard, right? Looking back at these players history with injuries is a must. I don’t care how good the player is, if he has a lingering injury that could potentially hurt his future in Memphis, that ultimately end his career and whoever drafted him.

If you don’t draft a guy that can be both for now and for the future, you’re crazy. Winning now is great with the core the Grizzlies have, but having a future of excellence will be key as well. So, if I’m the Grizzlies, what do my tiers look like?

Tier one:

Trae Young: Insane ceiling, right level of confidence, can co-exist with Conely, and take the keys to the car whenever Conley leaves the game of leaves Memphis.

Marvin Bagley: I have weird vibes about Bagley, but I like what he can bring to the Grizzlies right now, and their future in Memphis.

Tier Two:

Micheal Porter Jr.: His confidence, and his high school mix-tapes are all I have on Porter. Betting on a guy like Porter should have Wallace either packing his bags, or getting an extension.

Wendall Carter: Good motor, unknown consistency, and the Grizzlies are betting on a high ceiling which I don’t know is there.

You make your choice, Grizz Nation.

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