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

Performing Under Pressure

Much like the Memphis Grizzlies’ Mike Conley, Romeo Langford is clutch. He wants the ball to be in his hands when the game is on the line. This is something that cannot be taught. Especially at a young age, this aspect is incredibly rare.

While the Indiana Hoosiers have not boasted an overly impressive record in 2018-19, Langford’s overall play plus the presence of the clutch gene has led to his NBA Draft stock rising over the past several weeks.

In high school, Romeo’s New Albany Bulldogs lived and died by placing their faith on his shoulders. At IU, though Juwan Morgan has been impressive in his own right, Langford has not backed down from a challenge. This is another reason the Hoosiers can be considered as a major underdog heading into tournament play with the momentum they have recently built.

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Romeo Langford has been an efficient player as a Big Ten freshman, currently posting a 20.3 Player Efficiency Rating (PER). For reference, Duke’s Cam Reddish and R.J. Barrett own PERs of 14.4 and 24.1, respectively. Kentucky’s Keldon Johnson is at 18.7. North Carolina’s Coby White is riding a 20.0 PER.

In the final two minutes of regulation plus overtime periods of games, Langford turns it up a notch. Whether it is driving to the basket and collecting harm along the way or finding ways to receive open looks along the perimeter, Romeo has carried his team to victory on multiple occasions. Despite an injury-riddled roster for much of the season, Langford has pushed his squad to some impressive victories.

Relative to the Memphis Grizzlies, Mike Conley is nearing the end of his tenure with the team. As it looks very likely he will be dealt during the season and perhaps around NBA Draft time, the Front Office must begin to look for their go-to guy.

In finding a player that matches Conley’s calm demeanor and professionalism both on and off the court, the Grizzlies cannot go wrong with Romeo Langford. He plays with a high level of effort and leaves it all on the floor game-in and game-out. You do not have to question his character either. Romeo is the total package.

Who will take the final shot? Who can provide the offensive boost when the game is on the line? In the age of super-teams, Jaren Jackson Jr. cannot do it all. Romeo Langford can be the Robin to the Grizzlies’ Batman. It makes perfect sense to lose additonal games now rather than win to convey now. This is a cannot-miss prospect that could potentially be on the line.