What the Memphis Grizzlies’ 2021 NBA Draft means for a title run

The much-anticipated Memphis Grizzlies 10th-overall pick

With the pick they traded for, the Memphis Grizzlies selected Ziaire Williams, a 6’8” wing who was highly touted before his subpar one-and-done year at Stanford. The pick confused most Grizzlies fans on two different levels: first, because Ziaire Williams’ name had simply not come up much in any draft rumors and mocks for the Grizz or around their pick range, and second, because of his projected late first-round position.

Many fans and “experts” thought the Grizzlies could have stayed at 17 and still gotten him. The night later brought deja vu when the Grizzlies later traded up to the 30th spot to Draft Santi Aldama, a 6’11” Forward who showed flashes of ball-handling and creating in his time at Loyola Maryland.

Again, fans and media alike were fairly confused on the pick however, the FO could make these picks because the general consensus has been that they had earned some leeway with their recent draft record. They had, at the very least, earned the right to evade judgment until players hit the court.