Memphis Grizzlies: 5 Under The Radar NBA Draft Prospects
By Chris Kern
Tyus Battle
Tyus Battle might be the biggest name on the list, but he also might be the worst pro prospect mentioned in this article as well.
His style of play would fit with the Grizzlies better than the other guys though. He has played at Syracuse so he understands how to play for a defensive minded, slow-paced team.
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He can handle the ball and is able to contribute on both ends of the floor. His numbers have gone down a bit with Frank Howard hurt but he would be around some other good offensive players in Memphis’ second unit.
They lost back to back games against Uconn and Oregon which showed some of Battle’s and Syracuse’s deficiencies on the offensive end of the floor.
Despite some of those struggles he is off to a good start to his junior season. He is averaging 17.8 points, 2.8 rebounds, and 2.2 assists per game.
He is shooting a good 46% from the field overall but his 29% from three-point range is below his career average.
Many expected him to declare for the draft after last season but he opted to return to school. He helped lead the Orange to a Sweet 16 seed appearance as an 11 seed.
They beat 6th seeded TCU and 3rd seeded Michigan State to do so before falling to the 2nd seeded Duke Blue Devils.
Some felt he had a shot to be a first-round pick last season but after declaring for the draft and getting some feedback he must’ve felt otherwise so he returned to school.
If Memphis is serious about making their grit N’ grind mentality a part of their long-term plans than they should consider Battle with their second-round selection.
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He won’t be the most talented prospect on the board but that doesn’t always translate to NBA success. The Grizzlies need to do whatever it takes to get him and as many of these other prospects into their organization for the 2019-20 season and beyond.