What will the Memphis Grizzlies lineup look like with four new rookies?
The Memphis Grizzlies got quite the haul after executing a flurry of trades during the 2022 NBA Draft. Entering the night, the Grizzlies had three selections: No. 22 (via Utah Jazz), No. 29, and No. 47.
The Grizzlies traded No. 22 and 29 to Minnesota in exchange for No. 19 Jake LaRavia, a combo forward out of Wake Forest.
Shortly thereafter, Memphis and Philadelphia engaged in a trade that sent the No. 23 overall pick and Danny Green to the Grizzlies for De’Anthony Melton. The No. 23 selection became David Roddy, a combo forward from Colorado State.
The Grizzlies were not planning on making another pick until No. 47, however Memphis native and Tennessee Volunteer Kennedy Chandler slipped into the early second round.
Chandler is someone who was high on the team’s draft board, according to comments made by Grizzlies GM Zach Kleiman during the players’ introductory press conference. Kleiman said he called a few teams until he found a willing trade partner in San Antonio to strike a deal to acquire the point guard with the No. 38 overall pick.
With their final selection, the Memphis Grizzlies took Vince Williams, a wing out of VCU.
How will all of these players fit into an already loaded roster? How these guys fit into the rotation will largely depend on what happens in free agency and the Grizzlies have two very important ones— backup point guard Tyus Jones and backup combo forward Kyle Anderson.
Reserves Jarrett Culver (an unrestricted free agent) and Yves Pons (a restricted free agent) seem unlikely to return.
This is by no means the final roster for next season. The team is surely going to explore free agency signings and likely be open to discussing trade scenarios to help trim their bloated roster.
As a reminder, during the offseason, a team can carry up to 20 players on the roster. Once the regular season arrives, the team can roster 15 players, plus two additional players on two-way contracts for a total of 17.
1/Point Guard
Ja Morant
Kennedy Chandler
^Tyrell Terry
2/Shooting Guard
Desmond Bane
David Roddy
John Konchar
*Danny Green
3/Small Forward
Dillon Brooks
Ziaire Williams
Vince Williams
4/Power Forward
Jaren Jackson Jr.
Jake LaRavia
Killian Tillie
^Kenny Lofton Jr.
5/Center
Steven Adams
Brandon Clarke
Xavier Tillman Sr.
Santi Aldama
*Danny Green is unlikely to play next season due to multiple ligament tears sustained during the 2022 NBA Playoffs.
^Tyrell Terry and Kenny Lofton Jr. are currently slotted in on two-way contracts, which means they’ll float between the Memphis Hustle (G-League) and the Memphis Grizzlies throughout the season.
As far as roster predictions go, keep an eye on Tyrell Terry, Killian Tillie, and Danny Green as candidates who could be waived or bought out before the start of the season. Someone currently under contract will have to be moved to get down to 17 total players even before any new additions or re-signings take place.