Memphis Grizzlies: Breaking Down The 3 Different Scenarios In The NBA Draft Lottery
By Chris Kern
Jump Into The Top 4: 26.3%
This is clearly the ideal scenario for the Memphis Grizzlies. Their goal all season long has been for them to convey the draft pick to Boston, but they would prefer the opportunity to land a top prospect such as Zion Williamson or Ja Morant.
Williamson is going to be the top pick in the draft, but it might be better for Memphis if they’re able to land an elite young guard to pair with Jaren Jackson Jr. If they move up into the top four they will get the opportunity to do so.
RJ Barrett was the favorite to be the top pick coming into the season and despite that no longer being the case he still has a lot of tools that could make him a star at the next level. They could also go with breakout star Jarrett Culver who led Texas Tech all the way to a national title game appearance.
They do have a 26.3% chance to get into the top four including a 6% chance at landing the top pick so there is a decent chance that this happens. If they’re able to get into the top four that will give them another star to build around.
If the Grizzlies are able to jump into the top four they will need to make this pick count. They have missed some picks in the past that really held them back, but that also applies to wherever they’re picking in the draft.
Getting a young guard such as Morant or Barrett to pair with Jaren Jackson Jr. would be a huge boost to the long-term future of this team. If they’re able to get another youngster who can develop into an all-star caliber player then they have a chance to become a good team for a long time.
The guards they have now with guys such as Dillon Brooks and Delon Wright are solid, but they need someone who can help them take it to another level. They have done a decent job building a solid core, but if they’re able to get another cornerstone, then the future will be much brighter.