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NBA Draft: The Most Unexpected Chain Reaction Idea for the Memphis Grizzlies

By Christian Dudley

NEW ORLEANS, LA - APRIL 04: Marc Gasol #33 of the Memphis Grizzlies argues a call during the second half of a NBA game against the New Orleans Pelicans at the Smoothie King Center on April 4, 2018 in New Orleans, Louisiana. 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. (Photo by Sean Gardner/Getty Images)
NEW ORLEANS, LA - APRIL 04: Marc Gasol #33 of the Memphis Grizzlies argues a call during the second half of a NBA game against the New Orleans Pelicans at the Smoothie King Center on April 4, 2018 in New Orleans, Louisiana. 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. (Photo by Sean Gardner/Getty Images) /
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NEW ORLEANS, LA – APRIL 04: Marc Gasol #33 of the Memphis Grizzlies argues a call during the second half of a NBA game against the New Orleans Pelicans at the Smoothie King Center on April 4, 2018 in New Orleans, Louisiana. 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. (Photo by Sean Gardner/Getty Images)
NEW ORLEANS, LA – APRIL 04: Marc Gasol #33 of the Memphis Grizzlies argues a call during the second half of a NBA game against the New Orleans Pelicans at the Smoothie King Center on April 4, 2018 in New Orleans, Louisiana. 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. (Photo by Sean Gardner/Getty Images) /

Despite rumors of Mo Bamba being uninterested in joining the Memphis Grizzlies, what if he was selected with the NBA Draft’s fourth overall pick anyway?

When it comes to the Memphis Grizzlies and the NBA Draft, you never know what to expect except for subpar results. Every once in a while, the Grizz have hit it big. However, it is a few nerve-racking moments for Grizz Nation whenever their team is on the clock and the NBA’s Commissioner walks to the podium.

There is plenty of reason to expect an exciting NBA Draft Night from the Memphis Grizzlies’ point-of-view. They remain in trade rumors involving one of their maximum contracts in addition to their top pick. Plus, certain prospects have made it known that they do not want to become a Grizzly. The NBA Draft looks to be incredibly sloppy for the Grizz.

Honestly, it really would not be unbelievable to think the Grizzlies’ Front Office would try some off-the-wall move to start the NBA Draft with a bang. What would be the craziest idea? Here is a hint. It is something crazier than Memphis finding a trade partner to willingly accept Chandler Parsons’ contract’s final two years after having appeared in just 70 games since the summer of 2016.

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Imagine the Memphis Grizzlies selecting Texas center Mohamed Bamba, regardless of him dissing the Tennessee-based team. At this current time, he would probably be booed during his introductory press conference if the Grizzlies were to seriously select him with the NBA Draft’s No. 4 pick.

Taking into account Memphis’ roster needs, the top-two positions they have squared away are point guard, with Mike Conley running the show, and center, with Marc Gasol holding it down in the paint. However, if the Grizzlies were to take Mo Bamba with the fourth overall pick, it could potentially cause a stir deeper than social media.

Say Bamba is the best player available when the Memphis Grizzlies are on the clock. Yes, that is a valuable pick even if he does not want to play on Beale Street. Perhaps the Grizz could use him as trade bait prior to the start of the season. Or maybe, just maybe, with the excellent group of coaches the organization has assembled in June, he could be convinced to cherish the uniform with the word “Grizzlies” plastered the front.

If that very thing were to happen, and say the Grizzlies were unable to find a taker for Chandler Parsons’ large contract, an idea for Memphis is to consider moving their three-time NBA All-Star, Marc Gasol.

Initially, it sounds unfathomable. But in reality, it may not be that absurd of an idea. Gasol, with up to two years remaining on his current contract (a Player Option exists on the final year), seemed to be nearing a desire to split from the Grizzlies early in the 2017-18 season. “Big Spain” and then-Grizzlies Head Coach David Fizdale did not see eye to eye. Fizdale was relieved of his coaching duties, but it was not certain if Gasol was walking on solid ground.

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Though this is purely a hypothetical chain reaction idea centered around the summertime craziness known as the NBA Draft, it fits in line with many Grizzlies-related discussions from the past season. Should Memphis rebuild? Is Marc Gasol’s time with the Grizzllies done? To top things off, the comparisons Mo Bamba has received to former Grizz Draft selection-turned-bust, Hasheem Thabeet, are perhaps unjust, but exist solely because of the Grizzlies connection.

Do not worry, Grizz Nation. General Manager Chris Wallace has already stated several weeks ago that the team is all about winning now and moving forward with Gasol and Conley at the helm of the ship. It would likely take a major blockbuster trade offer to consider moving “Big Spain.” After all, Marc is Memphis. The name “Gasol” is a staple in Memphis, Tennessee history.

The point is this. You never know what to expect from the Memphis Grizzlies, especially on NBA Draft Night. The NBA Draft almost always provides thrills for basketball fans, from reaches to trades and more. If the Grizzlies truly want to unleash mayhem in the basketball world, they will proceed with drafting Mohamed Bamba. They will retain him. Lastly, they will focus their team around the Texas product and find a trade partner for Marc Gasol, rather than Chandler Parsons. This is crazy talk, right? Thankfully we are not the New York Knicks.

Go Grizz

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