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Memphis Grizzlies: 5 Reasons Why Tanking is Worth Shot at Romeo Langford in 2019 NBA Draft

By Christian Dudley

EVANSTON, IL - JANUARY 22: Indiana Hoosiers guard Romeo Langford (0) controls the ball during a game between the Indiana Hoosiers and the Northwestern Wildcats on January 22, 2019, at the Welsh-Ryan Arena in Evanston, IL. (Photo by Patrick Gorski/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
EVANSTON, IL - JANUARY 22: Indiana Hoosiers guard Romeo Langford (0) controls the ball during a game between the Indiana Hoosiers and the Northwestern Wildcats on January 22, 2019, at the Welsh-Ryan Arena in Evanston, IL. (Photo by Patrick Gorski/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /
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Memphis Grizzlies NBA Draft Romeo Langford
The Memphis Grizzlies could target Romeo Langford in the 2019 NBA Draft (Photo by Rich Schultz/Getty Images) /

Entrusting the Indiana Connection

When considering players that have provided the most success for the Memphis Grizzlies, it is really a narrow list. At the very top of their list of all-time Grizzly greats, it is a combination of the Gasol brothers — Marc and Pau — plus Zach Randolph and Mike Conley.

These four players account for nearly all of the franchise’s all-time high marks across every statistical category imaginable. In quizzing the fan base on their personal selections for the Grizzlies’ all-time best player, you would gather mixed responses of these four names.

With the Gasol brothers, Randolph, and Conley, it boils down to two international stars — a duo of Spaniards — plus a pair of Hoosiers. Now, we are not talking about the Indiana University type of Hoosiers, but rather two talents hailing from the state of Indiana. This is something that bodes well for Romeo Langford if he were to land on the Memphis Grizzlies’ roster.

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Furthermore, the Grizzlies have had much success when depending on players from the state of Indiana. Courtney Lee is another guy that is from Indiana that helped achieve the franchise’s best days to date in the “Grit-‘N’-Grind” era. Prior to Lee was Bonzi Wells, who helped the Grizzlies build the strong and supportive fan base that exists today. Wells, too, was an Indiana native.

If you need further proof of Hoosiers-turned-Grizzlies, Memphis’ latest key cog in their grand scheme of things is Jaren Jackson Jr, who also happens to be from the state of Indiana. At the age of 19, just like Langford, Jackson Jr. has proven to be a star of the NBA’s future.

In Indiana, the state is known for its hoops circuit. Basketball flows through their residents’ veins, much like Memphis being known as “Hoop City.” It is easy to see how many of these NBA players from Indiana have found great success after joining the Grizzlies — Memphis is rich in the sport of basketball. It is part of their culture, too.

This is one external factor that should lead the Memphis Grizzlies to feeling safe about an NBA Draft selection involving Romeo Langford. It is safe to say the franchise’s top-two Draft picks in team history are Mike Conley and Jaren Jackson Jr., and both derive from Indiana. Sometimes you have to trust history and your instincts. If you are the Grizzlies, why defer from what has brought you the most success?

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