Memphis Grizzlies: 5 biggest draft mistakes of the last decade
By Ethan Becker
5. 2012 Draft: Draymond Green
This pick is the lowest on our list because it could be argued that injuries are the only thing that makes this pick a mistake.
When the Grizzlies drafted Tony Wroten with the 25th pick, morals were high. He’d had a stellar year in college, they were in need of a shooting guard to help with their bench rotation, and if he was able to develop in the role he could prove to be a solid NBA player.
Unfortunately, injuries and dispute over his role on the team lead to him leaving the team for the Philadelphia 76ers. After just four seasons in the league, his career was done.
In contrast, Draymond Green, who was selected with the 35th pick by the Golden State Warriors, could’ve proved to be much smarter pick.
Green wasn’t the initial player that Wroten was in college, though the fact that Green went to the tough Michigan State and Wroten went to Washington probably played into that, Green did have a lot of potential in the draft. While Wroten will probably always be the better offensive player, Green’s defensive ability and his ability in off-the-box-score roles could’ve served a thriving Grizzlies team a lot better.