The Grizzlies’ 2023 Draft: What do they need, and who can fill those roles?
Group E- Long Wingspan/Versatile Forwards for Brandon Clarke Insurance and JJJ at Center Small-Ball Lineups
The Grizzlies have a bit of a crowded bullpen of prospect-forwards, and given the aforementioned issues with LaRavia and Roddy’s futures, plus the unknowable viability of the phenomenon I’m being told is called “Kenneth Lofton Jr.” in real NBA minutes makes me want to take a swing on some of the solid forwards/wings this draft and nab a backup for the smaller lineups.
My pick here, which unfortunately would more-than-likely require a trade-up (I’m kind of low on this category, can you tell?) has to be Keegan Murray’s younger brother Kris Murray, who’s a six-foot-seven wing/forward who defends well, can finish at the rim, and has catch-and-shoot 3 viability.
He’s not quite the shooter Keegan is nor was in NCAA ball, and his mid-range game might very well be a project laced with inevitable failure, but he’s able to defend most players at positions two-through-four and could be a solid table-setter and rebounder as well. Plus, the first half of his season was pretty rough, and he improved mightily in the second half.
Kris Murray since Jan. 1st: 22.4 PTS, 7.4 REB, 51.3% FG, 34.2% 3FG, 2.6 stocks
— The Box and One (@TheBoxAndOne_) February 13, 2023
Guy is just the definition of a solid all-around player. Defends, shares it, rarely forces, and can score in a variety of ways. Can see him having a long NBA career
28 PTS, 14 REB, 3 AST vs. Gophers pic.twitter.com/x2sRNOlNAC
Other options I like:
- Kobe Brown- Very nice handle for his size (6-foot-7-inches). Has really nice strength at around 250 lbs. with more-than-functional shot mechanics and can lead fast breaks with impressive outlet passing. His passing in the halfcourt is pretty creative too, and Missouri’s super high-efficiency offense could signify what the Grizzlies are looking to improve on. Could be the lower-cost option since it wouldn’t require a trade-up.