The Memphis Grizzlies were on the clock, after six months of anticipation, and hearing that the pick would help the team “win now,” Memphis picked for the future.
It is about 6:45 at FedEx Forum and the Memphis Grizzlies are officially on the clock, but we know the pick. Leaked information before the draft started stated that new Head Coach J.B. Bickerstaff played a huge role in bringing Michigan State forward Jaren Jackson Jr. to Memphis. The pick is announced, boo’s reign in from the Forum watch party, and for good reason, because again, the fans were lied to.
Sources: Jaren Jackson Jr., has grown comfortable with the prospect of Memphis drafting him with fourth pick, and provided Grizz officials the requisite personal information they requested. Coach JB Bickerstaff played a big role in selling a vision for Jackson's future there.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) June 21, 2018
When it came time to talk to Jackson Jr. in the media room via conference call, he was nothing short of a big ball of energy. Ross Wooden of Grizzlies PR greeted Jackson on the phone, “We have a lot of people here in Memphis that would like to talk to you.” “Shoot, I want to talk to them too!” Jackson responded with. His personality is great, but does this necessarily translate to immediate wins like General Manager Chris Wallace thinks?
Jaren Jackson Jr tells Memphis media in a conference call that Memphis will be getting "a big rib eater" among other intangibles on and off the court. pic.twitter.com/EEfdcXvpxV
— Michael Wallace (@MyMikeCheck) June 22, 2018
For Wallace, he wasted no time talking over reporters again in his press conference, “I’m very pleased with the outcome of this draft.” Wallace began with. He continued, “We got the best shot blocker in this draft (Jackson Jr.), and the best perimeter defender in Javon Carter.” Wallace went on to say that “I think that we got a shot of Grit N’ Grind back with the addition of these two young men.”
"I think we have a shot at grit and grind back tonight with the attributes of these two young men."
— Memphis Grizzlies (@memgrizz) June 22, 2018
- Chris Wallace on @jarenjacksonjr and Jevon Carter pic.twitter.com/epjJOxh8N7
What will this translate to next season?
Not sure if Wallace had number of wins in mind, or a morale victory? In a league that has moved towards 100 plus scoring nights, why take two defensive stoppers? Of course the question was avoided, but he eluded to getting shooters in free agency, but how? With little to no cap room, the Grizzlies are an above average team next season, but should be in the top 10 of defenses in the NBA.
To tough on the franchise?
I do not think so for sever reasons. Number one, Wallace has been very vocal about “winning now,” and he just brought two defensive stoppers, and the one in Jackson who is projected to be a “late bloomer.” Second, it just felt like the team settled on the only guy that was sitting there. Memphis used no smoke screens to lure the Atlanta Hawks and Dallas Mavericks into bait for a possible trade. Instead, Dallas, who had the fifth pick, and Atlanta, who had the third pick acted like Memphis did not exist, because they basically didn’t last night, because they settled.
Jackson’s future in Memphis:
It is definitely bright, but its going to be several years before we see it. Current forward JaMychal Green will start over him next season for sure, but luckily for Jaren, the Grizzlies finally have good developmental coaches.
I wrote about every player comes into a situation and can react different to that situation. Jackson has embraced Memphis, a city with a winning culture, and has refused him, but Memphis I say this. Do not take it out on the kid, but more of the front office that promised you something, and didn’t come through in the end.