The Grizzlies’ 2023 Draft: What do they need, and who can fill those roles?

Group B- Defensive Upside/Two-Way Wings Due to Dillon Brooks’ Relocation

So, I originally titled this section just “defensive-upside,” probably because it’s hard to remember Dillon Brooks’ offense fondly after the Lakers series. But it has to be said: for better or for worse, Brooks offered a solid offensive option for the Grizzlies; he was willing to put up shots and create space for Morant and Bane drives, and he worked hard for offensive rebounds and set good screens with his strong frame, so I figured “two-way” would be a bit more apt if the Grizzlies are looking for someone in a similar mold.

My pick here (and probably my favorite option for the Grizzlies) would be a trade-up for Bilal Coulibaly. Now, it might very well be possible that the Coulibaly hype train has reached critical velocity, and he might just get too expensive for the Grizzlies in terms of what pick they’d have to trade up to grab him, but, if he’s still floating out there in that eight-to-twelve range, I think Coulibaly has high enough of a defensive upside to take the bet on him.

Secondarily, the Grizzlies could draft and stash him, allowing him to continue playing in France for a season, which would give Memphis some flexibility on an already near-full roster, and still get him to Memphis by the time he’s 19/20.

On the court, Coulibaly is a lanky wing, a bit awkward, but has long strides, a 6-foot-6-inch height, and a 7-foot-2-inch wingspan. Has decent shooting mechanics but didn’t shoot a lot on Metropolitan 92. Crazy defender: was a “trainwreck” on defense last year according to No Ceilings’ podcast on Coulibaly,  but became a bonafide difference-maker this past year in a league full of grown dudes (at 18 may I remind you). He has a great first step on drives and can absorb contact pretty well with middling finishing stats this past year.

Although he started playing basketball at 10, his defensive awareness and fluidity on defense is extremely impressive and, as stated, has improved by miles. He can guard most backcourt players with his length and speed combination and could very well improve to an All-League Defensive Team level.

Other options I like:

• Rayan Rupert- Intense defender but unfortunately has struggled on offense in his brief time on the New Zealand Breakers. The Australian NBL might very well be a big part of that, with its laundry list of seasoned defenders and great coaches, but Rupert hasn’t been the most willing shooter either, which is a bit of a yellowish-orange flag, red under the right sunlight.
• Jaylen Clark- Could very well turn out to be the best defensive mind in the class. Has fantastic awareness as a team defender, navigates screens beautifully, turns well + quickly, and knows when to help effectively. The offense worries me, similar to Rupert: rough shooting, but has been a more willing shooter and has shot better around the rim than Rupert despite his smaller stature. Would be a great option at 45/56 if the Grizzlies don’t take Bailey.