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Ed Stefanski Ditches Memphis Grizzlies’ Draft Process

By Christian Dudley

MEMPHIS, TN - AUGUST 1: Ed Stefanski of the Memphis Grizzlies addresses the media during a press conference introducing front office additions on August 1, 2014 at FedEx Forum 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 2014 NBAE (Photo by Joe Murphy/NBAE via Getty Images)
MEMPHIS, TN - AUGUST 1: Ed Stefanski of the Memphis Grizzlies addresses the media during a press conference introducing front office additions on August 1, 2014 at FedEx Forum 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 2014 NBAE (Photo by Joe Murphy/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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MEMPHIS, TN – AUGUST 1: Ed Stefanski of the Memphis Grizzlies addresses the media during a press conference introducing front office additions on August 1, 2014 at FedEx Forum 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 2014 NBAE (Photo by Joe Murphy/NBAE via Getty Images)
MEMPHIS, TN – AUGUST 1: Ed Stefanski of the Memphis Grizzlies addresses the media during a press conference introducing front office additions on August 1, 2014 at FedEx Forum 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 2014 NBAE (Photo by Joe Murphy/NBAE via Getty Images) /

More than one month after the Memphis Grizzlies’ season ended, Ed Stefanski has quickly decided to move north.

To be exact, it has been 42 days since the buzzer sounded on the Memphis Grizzlies’ regular season. Whether you think it has been a short or long beginning to the offseason, we can all agree that it was an early exit for Ed Stefanski.

For those that may be unfamiliar with Stefanski, he had been the Grizzlies’ Vice-President of Player Personnel. The role involved decision-making in potential trades as well as Draft Night selections. Ed Stefanski had been an integral piece of the Grizz since July of 2014.

Everything changed on Thursday when news broke of Stefanski joining the Detroit Pistons. This was a rather quiet and quick move, but the Memphis Grizzlies seem unfazed by it. WIth Grind City Media‘s Michael Wallace sharing the quote, General Manager Chris Wallace was very insightful on Thursday during the team’s pre-Draft workouts.

"“But our draft process moves forward at this time. In due time, we’ll get to if we’re going to do something else in our front office. But our draft (process) rolls on. And we know who (Stefanski) likes already.”"

It is understandle to seize a great opportunity, but come on now. It is already Memorial Day weekend. The 2018 NBA Draft is less than one month away. The NBA Combine is complete and pre-Draft workouts in FedEx Forum have begun.

Why jump ship now? Surely the Detroit Pistons would have waited. That franchise has already kicked off their draft process, too. Surely Detroit would not entirely change their Front Office’s initial opinions and wishes for their Draft Night selections, right? Ed Stefanski could have waited a tad longer to make the transition.

Wallace played it as coolly as possible. Though he joked about Ed Stefanski knowing what prospects the Grizzlies are eyeing, he is absolutely telling the truth.

The Detroit Pistons do not own a pick in the upcoming NBA Draft until selection No. 42. However, there always remains a chance a team can trade up or into the Draft. It would make a lot of sense for the Pistons to do so. Could Stefanski sabotage Memphis and steal their guy off the board like a total savage?

Everything will unfold on June 21st — the date of the 2018 NBA Draft.

Go Grizz! 

Next: Memphis Grizzlies showing interest in a high schooler?

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