After trading into the first-round for a second selection of the 2019 NBA Draft, the Memphis Grizzlies will have a tough decision to make at No. 23. Who will they select?
After agreeing to a trade with the Utah Jazz on Wednesday, the Memphis Grizzlies now own the No. 2 and No. 23 overall picks in the 2019 NBA Draft. They have nicely set themselves up for their franchise’s next era — a rebuilding effort.
As Murray State’s Ja Morant has been the Grizzlies’ intended target ever since May 14th’s NBA Draft Lottery, it is to be assumed that the standout point guard will be their pick the first time they are on the clock. From there, things become murky.
Part of the unknown the Grizzlies face is because they have no way in telling who will exactly be available by the time No. 23 comes up on the clock. However, as the Jazz make the pick for the Grizzlies, one thing is certain. A player with a lot of potential impact will be available. They may be raw, but it will be worth the investment.
Memphis does not need to look for a point guard with the 23rd pick, but they could use bench depth and all other positions. If anything, it will make training camp that more competitive among their current group.
Will the Grizzlies look for someone, such as a one-and-done prospect, who they could mold over the next few years? Or will they select a player a few years removed from high school in order to form some stability and maturity within their youthfulness?
As we wait to find out the end result on Draft Night, Beale Street Bears presents four likely candidates at No. 23, with Utah making the pick for Memphis as a result of Wednesday’s transaction pending formal completion.