The Grizzlies are well-positioned with multiple picks in the 2026 NBA Draft. This year’s March Madness tournament has showcased a ton of talent, and many of these players are likely to declare for the draft. As of early April, the Grizzlies are projected to land somewhere in the back half of the lottery, likely around the seventh or eighth pick, although there’s always a chance they move up higher.
Outside of the projected top three picks, there are several other players who would be a great fit in Memphis. Here are three more talented collegiate athletes who just might find themselves in Grind City next season.
Three guards to know for Memphis on draft night
1. Darius Acuff Jr., G, Arkansas
Darius Acuff Jr. is a versatile guard with a variety of offensive and defensive skills that will greatly benefit any NBA team that chooses to draft him. The 19-year-old has played one year of college basketball at the University of Arkansas and is currently projected as a lottery pick.
If the Grizzlies were to draft him, it could signal that Memphis might consider moving Morant during the offseason, given Acuff Jr.'s ability to take control of an offense. Across the league, teams that contend at the highest level are often built around a superstar, whether it’s the Nuggets with Jokic, the Bucks with Antetokounmpo, or the Thunder with Gilgeous-Alexander. Acuff Jr. has the potential to grow into that type of franchise cornerstone, much like Morant has been for Memphis.
Similar to the other young draft prospects, there are areas where Acuff Jr. can improve as he makes his way onto the professional basketball scene. He is known for his offensive abilities, but his defense could certainly be improved upon. If he is able to become more of a two-way threat, his value will go up significantly, especially for a team like Memphis that has been lacking defensively at times this year.
2. Kingston Flemings, G, Houston
It only took one season for Kingston Flemings to establish himself as one of the best playmakers in the Big 12. He is a talented shooter who led his team in scoring as a true freshman while also finishing within the conference’s top five in assists. His defensive production was strong as well, making him an even more valuable two-way threat. At just 19 years old, that kind of impact is nothing short of impressive, and he is only going to keep improving at the next level.
All of this illustrates why Flemings is such a well-rounded player who brings a little bit of everything to the team. However, with Ja Morant’s future still up in the air, selecting another guard would only fuel more speculation about where the Grizzlies are headed. If Memphis keeps Morant on the roster and drafts Flemings, the fit makes sense. Both players have a strong basketball IQ, elite playmaking abilities, and can create opportunities for themselves and others.
3. Keaton Wagler, G, Illinois
Keaton Wagler is another talented guard expected to enter this year’s draft. As a freshman at the University of Illinois, he made a name for himself and reached a national audience during March Madness, leading the program to its first Final Four since 2005. Unlike many top prospects, Wagler did not receive the same level of attention coming out of high school, but Illinois head coach Brad Underwood has praised him not only as a person and a player but also for the way he has created his own path.
Wagler has many strengths that could benefit the Grizzlies, but something that stands out is his ball handling. He operates at a higher speed and has quick instincts, which is incredibly valuable to a team like Memphis that likes to push the pace.
Once again, the key question is how a player like Wagler would mesh with Ja Morant in Memphis, should that be the direction the team wants to go. Morant is known for his playmaking, basketball IQ, and, of course, his elite athleticism that makes him so fun to watch. Wagler is a 6’6’’ combo guard who uses his size to impact the game in a variety of ways. His rebounding from the guard position would be helpful for the Grizzlies, especially when Zach Edey is off the floor.
The future is bright
The biggest takeaway here is that there’s a ton of talent about to enter the league, and the Grizzlies have an incredible opportunity to bring in another star. The front office may decide that they envision Morant in their long-term future, or they might part ways, but there is no shortage of guards in this year’s draft class who could make an immediate impact in either scenario.
While the draft order has yet to be announced, the Grizzlies are positioned well with multiple picks. These additions will play a major role in the team’s rebuilding efforts as a new era of Memphis basketball begins.