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3 Grizzlies that could surprisingly be available in an expansion draft

By Mark Nilon

TORONTO, ON - DECEMBER 29: Ja Morant #12 of the Memphis Grizzlies talks with Steven Adams #4 and Santi Aldama #7 of the Memphis Grizzlies during the second half of their NBA game against the Toronto Raptors at Scotiabank Arena on December 29, 2022 in Toronto, Canada. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Cole Burston/Getty Images)
TORONTO, ON - DECEMBER 29: Ja Morant #12 of the Memphis Grizzlies talks with Steven Adams #4 and Santi Aldama #7 of the Memphis Grizzlies during the second half of their NBA game against the Toronto Raptors at Scotiabank Arena on December 29, 2022 in Toronto, Canada. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Cole Burston/Getty Images) /
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Josh Christopher of the Houston Rockets reacts. (Photo by Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images)
Josh Christopher of the Houston Rockets reacts. (Photo by Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images) /

2. Josh Christopher

Though he may have come into the association with a much higher outlook than Isaiah Todd did when both were selected in the 2021 NBA Draft, a similar argument based on projected lowly contributions for Memphis in the near future could still easily be made for the likes of Josh Christopher.

Taken in the back-end of the first round (24 overall), the former Arizona State standout was seen by some as having the upside of a Jordan Clarckson at the next level.

Through two seasons, however, he has yet to show that these expectations could wind up becoming an actual reality, as he, like Todd, has spent the majority of his professional tenure in the G League, suiting up for the Rio Grande Valley Vipers.

Now sure, Christopher has actually put forth rather impressive averages down in the development league, as he posted per game averages of 25.2 points, 6.8, assists, 5.0 rebounds, 1.2 steals, and 1.0 blocks on 56.0 percent shooting from the field in 2022-23, but the title-hopeful Grizzlies shouldn’t be hell-bent on holding onto a player who is bound to be swaping in and out from their main roster to the Memphis Hustle’s.

With this, even with his status as a recent first round talent, it’s more than likely that Christopher would be made eligible for a hypothetical expansion draft.

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