The Memphis Grizzlies had an exciting NBA Draft day, even if everything didn’t go exactly as planned. Many fans were expecting Memphis to pick up Moses Moody, who was available when they selected their ultimate choice at No. 10.
Instead, Memphis picked up Ziaire Williams, a prospect who was thought to be available around the Grizzlies’ original range at the 17th-pick. Obviously, Memphis wouldn’t have traded up if they didn’t know that he’d be gone, so it wasn’t the reach that a lot of people are interpreting it as.
One of the first questions that will always arise with a new lottery pick on the roster is as follows.
How will this impact the Memphis Grizzlies starting lineup?
This is a tricky question, even if there is the illusion of assurance on the roster right now. Last season, the Grizzlies didn’t have a single set starting lineup. It’s nearly impossible to pin down any five players and call them the Grizz starting five from 2020-21.
Throwing Williams into the mix only complicates things, as the Grizzlies still remain busy at the wing spot. Here’s a list of wing players on the roster right now.
- Dillon Brooks, Grayson Allen, Desmond Bane, Justise Winslow, Ziaire Williams, De’Anthony Melton, and John Konchar
Because of all of this talent creating a logjam on the roster, things might get tricky at the beginning of the year when Taylor Jenkins marches his team out onto the court. That said, we’re going to try to figure it out today.
Here is what the starting lineup will likely look like in 2021, assuming no more trades happen. This will be in the order of most obvious to least obvious for the sake of suspense.