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NBA Draft: Who are the Memphis Grizzlies Targeting at 32?

By Chris Kern

BROOKLYN, NY - MARCH 06: Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets guard Josh Okogie (5) puts up a shot during the ACC men's tournament game between the Boston College Eagles and the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets on March 6, 2018 at the Barclay's Center in Brooklyn, NY. (Photo by William Howard/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
BROOKLYN, NY - MARCH 06: Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets guard Josh Okogie (5) puts up a shot during the ACC men's tournament game between the Boston College Eagles and the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets on March 6, 2018 at the Barclay's Center in Brooklyn, NY. (Photo by William Howard/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /
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SAN ANTONIO, TX – MARCH 31: Devonte’ Graham #4 of the Kansas Jayhawks drives past Mikal Bridges #25 of the Villanova Wildcats during the 2018 NCAA Men’s Final Four semifinal game at the Alamodome on March 31, 2018 in San Antonio, Texas. (Photo by Brett Wilhelm/NCAA Photos via Getty Images)
SAN ANTONIO, TX – MARCH 31: Devonte’ Graham #4 of the Kansas Jayhawks drives past Mikal Bridges #25 of the Villanova Wildcats during the 2018 NCAA Men’s Final Four semifinal game at the Alamodome on March 31, 2018 in San Antonio, Texas. (Photo by Brett Wilhelm/NCAA Photos via Getty Images) /

Devonte’ Graham

Devonte’ Graham was a special player during his four years at Kansas. He originally committed to Appalachian State in 2014. He decided to attend Brewster Prep Academy instead, though; Graham wanted out of his commitment to Appalachian State, but they would not release him from his Letter of Intent. After that season, they hired a new coach who rightfully let Graham go. Devonte’ later would end up at Kansas, where he would become a national star.

Graham was a three-year starter at Kansas who would earn Big-12 Player of the Year honors to go along with being a consensus All-American. He averaged 17.3 points with 7.2 assists per game his senior season while leading Kansas to a record-breaking 14th consecutive conference championship.

Devonte’ was a part of the June 12th workout with the Memphis Grizzlies, where he was very impressive. General Manager Chris Wallace spoke very highly of Graham after the workouts. Wallace said “his intangibles, his leadership, is really off the charts.” That is what makes Devonte’ special. He has the leadership to run a successful second unit as a backup point guard.

Devonte’ Graham shot just under 41% from three in college, so he will be able to make shots at this level. His percentages were better his freshman and sophomore year, though, because he had way better shot selection then. That is not something I would be too worried about. He still shot 40% from deep his senior season.

For example, Graham had a lot of shot attempts like these two against West Virginia. They are not necessarily great looks, but when he hits them, it is a great momentum boost for the team.

Devonte’ Graham is going to have a long NBA career. He is going to be successful. He is capable of being a solid backup point guard from Day One. If the Memphis Grizzlies plan on keeping Andrew Harrison over the long-term, then maybe this is not the right pick for them. If there is any doubt with Harrison, they should take Graham as he is going to be a stud. Keep an eye on Devonte’ Graham being selected with the 32nd pick.

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