Memphis Grizzlies: 5 revelations from rookie introductory press conference

Grizzlies GM Zach Kleiman was candid about his draft philosophy

The 2022 NBA Executive of the Year gave unprecedented insight as to how he operates and evaluates talent for the NBA Draft when he was asked about it on the record by Geoff Calkins of The Daily Memphian.

Kleiman talked about how he likes to be more covert than overt and keeps his cards close to his chest throughout the process.

None of the players drafted by Kleiman knew that the Grizzlies were even interested in them, keeping things neutral during workouts or interviews.

Jake LaRavia, the team’s first pick, said he only had a hunch that the Grizzlies were interested in him.

“I knew they were kind of interested in me,” LaRavia said.

“I thought I had a good workout, good interviews. I talked to their front office, too. Going into the draft, everything was a mystery. I didn’t really know what was going to happen, but I’m super excited that I ended up here,” the No. 19 overall pick said during the press conference.

Roddy and Chandler both also shared similar statements, and equal enthusiasm to be in Memphis.

You can read the full, in-depth piece about what Kleiman said and how he approaches the draft process here.