Understandably, the main focus for the Grizzlies this summer will be how they use their two first-round picks in a loaded 2026 NBA Draft. But Grizzlies fans should also not lose sight of the 32nd overall pick in Round 2. It will be hard to truly figure out the Grizzlies' plans until the draft lottery happens; however, the team still has a great chance to land a quality player in the second round.
Here are three players that the Grizzlies must target in the second round of the 2026 NBA Draft:
1. Tarris Reed Jr., C, UConn
Despite the UConn Huskies losing to the Michigan Wolverines in the national championship, Tarris Reed Jr. had a strong end to his senior season, significantly raising his draft stock in the NCAA Tournament. Listed at 6-foot-11 and 265 pounds, Reed Jr. is a traditional big with great rebounding and post scoring. Reed Jr. had a dominant NCAA Tournament, averaging 19.5 points, 13.2 rebounds, and 2.5 blocks.
Reed Jr. transferred from Michigan before the start of the 2024-25 season and improved significantly on both ends of the floor under Dan Hurley. Given his strong ability to crash the glass and set screens, it is easy to see why he is a logical fit for the Grizzlies. Foul trouble and free throw shooting are valid concerns, but Reed Jr. would be a great boost to the frontcourt depth behind Zach Edey.
2. Joshua Jefferson, F, Iowa State
Listed at 6-foot-9 and 240 pounds, Joshua Jefferson spent two seasons at Saint Mary's before transferring to Iowa State and raising his all-around game. As a senior this year, Jefferson averaged 16.4 points, 7.4 rebounds, and 4.8 assists and was a major reason why the Iowa State Cyclones earned a 2 seed in the NCAA Tournament.
Unfortunately for Jefferson, he injured his ankle in the first-round victory against Tennessee State. He ended up missing the rest of the NCAA Tournament, and the Cyclones were out by the Round of 16. However, there is plenty to like about Joshua Jefferson's game for the Grizzlies.
Joshua Jefferson is a very gifted passer and is capable of being another quality facilitator in the NBA. Jefferson is a strong rebounder and has active hands defensively, things the Grizzlies need as they continue to rebuild. There are shooting and athletic concerns for Jefferson; however, much of his skillset translates to winning basketball, and he is a high-effort player.
3. Rueben Chinyelu, C, Florida
Despite Florida failing to make it out of the first weekend this season, Rueben Chinyelu has championship-winning experience and made significant improvements in the past season. Chinyelu recently declared for the 2026 NBA Draft but is also maintaining his college eligibility. Listed at 6-foot-10 and 265 pounds, Chinyelu is a tenacious rebounder and a high-quality rim protector.
Chinyelu averaged 10.9 points, 11.2 rebounds, and 1.8 stocks (steals and blocks) per game. He was recognized as the SEC Defensive Player of the Year and Naismith Defensive Player of the Year. Even though his offensive game could use some refining, his defense and rebounding should give him an immediate path to an NBA rotation spot.
Zach Edey has already established himself as an elite rebounder and defender in the NBA. Rueben Chinyelu could be a very strong answer to the Grizzlies' non-Edey minutes as his career goes on.
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