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Memphis Grizzlies: Evaluating Draft Night

By Brendan Smart

MEMPHIS, TN - JUNE 29: General Manager Chris Wallace of the Memphis Grizzlies addresses the media during a press conference introducing 2015 NBA draft picks on June 29, 2015 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 2015 NBAE (Photo by Joe Murphy/NBAE via Getty Images)
MEMPHIS, TN - JUNE 29: General Manager Chris Wallace of the Memphis Grizzlies addresses the media during a press conference introducing 2015 NBA draft picks on June 29, 2015 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 2015 NBAE (Photo by Joe Murphy/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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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.

BOISE, ID – MARCH 17: Kevin Knox #5 of the Kentucky Wildcats reacts during the first half against the Buffalo Bulls in the second round of the 2018 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament at Taco Bell Arena on March 17, 2018 in Boise, Idaho. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
BOISE, ID – MARCH 17: Kevin Knox #5 of the Kentucky Wildcats reacts during the first half against the Buffalo Bulls in the second round of the 2018 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament at Taco Bell Arena on March 17, 2018 in Boise, Idaho. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) /

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.

NASHVILLE, TN – MARCH 16: Michael Porter Jr. #13 of the Missouri Tigers high fives head coach Cuonzo Martin as he comes off the court during a game against the Florida State Seminoles during the first round of the 2018 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament at Bridgestone Arena on March 16, 2018 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Frederick Breedon/Getty Images)
NASHVILLE, TN – MARCH 16: Michael Porter Jr. #13 of the Missouri Tigers high fives head coach Cuonzo Martin as he comes off the court during a game against the Florida State Seminoles during the first round of the 2018 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament at Bridgestone Arena on March 16, 2018 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Frederick Breedon/Getty Images) /

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!

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