The Memphis Grizzlies yet again traded up in the draft to snag their guy, this time trading picks 22 and 29 to the Minnesota Timberwolves for pick 19, which they used to select Jake LaRavia out of Wake Forest University.
This came as a shock to some NBA draft analysts around the league, as LaRavia was projected to go somewhere in between the late twenties and early thirties in a majority of mock drafts. When taking a deeper look at the Grizzlies’ draft history and the type of skillset LaRavia brings to the table, it’s clear that he fits the mold and has the ability to make an impact from day one.
How big of a role will he carve out for himself in his rookie season, and will he be able to produce in the opportunity that he is given?
How will rookie Jake LaRavia impact the Memphis Grizzlies in 2022-23?
It is no secret that Kyle Anderson played an important part in the Grizzlies’ success last season. He was not the type of guy to put up crazy stats, but he did a little bit of everything on the court and was simply a winning basketball player. His departure to Minnesota means that somebody will have to step up and play the Swiss army knife role off the bench as a wing/backup four. Look no further than Jake LaRavia.