Memphis Grizzlies: How the Draft Night additions fit in
Two-way Players: Sean McDermott, Killian Tillie
After the draft ended, the Grizzlies signed Butler sharpshooter Sean McDermott to a two-way contract, as well as Gonzaga big man Killian Tillie. I really like both players, and not just because I went to Butler and watched McDermott up close for four years.
McDermott does all of the little things right. He hustles on every play, never gives up on the defensive end, and will shock you with the amount of rebounds he’ll get on both ends of the floor despite his wiry frame and limited athleticism.
And he can flat-out shoot it. He’s an NBA-level shooter. The former Bulldog shot 39.4 percent from beyond the arc as a senior, but shot better than 40 percent on multiple occasions ending his career with a 40.3 percentage. McDermott’s athleticism and lack of versatility on the defensive end is the biggest knock against him. However, if he finds his way into the Grizzlies rotation, Memphis fans are going to love him because he plays hard, can shoot it and is a very unselfish player.
Tillie might be the most NBA-ready big in this class on the offensive end. In four years at Gonzaga, Tillie shot 44.4 percent from the 3-point line. He’s an elite pick-and-pop player and spot-up shooter. It’s not hard to figure out how he could find his niche in the NBA. He’s a good passer and his touch as a jump shooter translates around the rim, as well.
He only played 39 games total in his last two seasons and his long term health is a major question mark. It’s probably the reason he wasn’t drafted, because his skill set, in theory, fits perfectly into today’s NBA.
On the floor, he would pair well with either back-up big in Memphis whether it’s Tillie or Brandon Clarke. Neither big is a threat from beyond the arc and Tillie would be able to spread the floor and, hypothetically, guard the opponent’s biggest player on the floor.
Of course, these are two-way guys for a reason, but they can both shoot it which makes them capable of one day being productive members of the Grizzlies roster.