The Memphis Grizzlies are approaching June 21st rather quickly, and everyday brings another prospect sitting at number four. What should Memphis do on Thursday night?
Thursday night is going to be crazy for the city Memphis and the Grizzlies fan base. It only gets crazier based on how the team handles their two picks that night. We have had several months to predict what the team would do with the two picks, so I am going to get you set for anything that can happen on Thursday night.
Memphis trades back in the draft:
While at the time it may seem that Memphis made the pick at number four, the draft is never guaranteed until the next day or so. For example: Memphis could take Michael Porter Jr. at four, and trade him back to Chicago for their seventh overall pick. Remember, Memphis only had one first round prospect in for a workout, in Wendell Carter Jr. With Porter loving the city of Chicago, and Memphis not fully in love with their seeding in the draft, do not be surprised when Memphis trades back. Too many opinions in one room could lead to overthinking, thus trading the pick.
I do not think the Grizzlies take Carter if they trade back, but a viable option that could come in and make an immediate impact. Kevin Knox out of Kentucky is an All-American, and is rising the ranks of mock drafts over the last few weeks, and could be in play come Thursday night. Wallace likes his McDonald’s All-Americans, and Knox would give the Grizzlies more picks on draft night possibly as well. The same can be said for Carter Jr.
Memphis stays at number four:
If none of the offers on the table look great, look for Memphis to keep their pick and take one of the top prospects available at four. I’ve seen several mock drafts that have Duke forward Marvin Bagley and Real Madrid guard Luka Doncic available at four, but never both at the same time. It is either Bagley or Doncic available. For me, it seems that Memphis likes Porter, and would take Porter for good, but the injury history just makes him a good trade option.
Doncic looks like the right fit for this team right now, and Bagley looks like a guy that the team would have to build around for the future. With Doncic, you get the best of both worlds. The two guys will have great careers in the NBA, but it is all about fit and a healthy Porter Jr., or Doncic is the right move for Memphis.
Stay tuned to Beale Street Bears for all of Memphis’ draft news as we approach the NBA Draft on June 21st!