ESPN NBA writers Bobby Marks and Jeremy Woo collaborated to release an article ranking the top five NBA teams with the most future first-round draft picks. The Memphis Grizzlies combine with the Oklahoma City Thunder, Houston Rockets, Utah Jazz, and Brooklyn Nets to occupy 55 first-round draft picks through the 2032 NBA Draft.
Memphis traded Desmond Bane this offseason and fired longtime coach Taylor Jenkins before the end of last season, but their future is bright. New head coach Tuomas Iisalo was a hot commodity coming over from Paris Basketball last season to become an assistant coach for the Grizzlies, and their draft collection became wealthier this offseason.
Grizzlies ranked 5th for best positioned teams with first-round picks
The Grizzlies' trade of Desmond Bane could hinder their contention this season. However, after getting swept by the Oklahoma City Thunder in the first round of the playoffs last season, they determined they had reached their ceiling on their former core. Trading him netted them four additional first-round draft picks, which solidified their potential to become a contender again.
Two of the teams ranked ahead of the Grizzlies on the list are arguably the two best teams in the Western Conference heading into this season, the Oklahoma City Thunder and the Houston Rockets. The Grizzlies have drafted well, with 11 of their 15 players being either drafted or signed as an undrafted free agent by the team since the 2019 offseason.
They hope that they can continue that successful track record, starting with their 2025 selection of Cedric Coward. The Thunder and Rockets built their teams largely through the draft and appear to be set for the future as the Thunder have 13 future first-round picks (through 2032) and the Rockets have the same amount as the Grizzlies, with nine (through 2032).
The Grizzlies' most valuable pick is the Phoenix Suns' pick they received from the Orlando Magic for next year's draft. Although the Grizzlies are expected to take a step back this season, they are expected to compete for a playoff position as long as Ja Morant remains relatively healthy throughout he regular season.
Having the Thunder and Rockets surpass them in the Western Conference pecking order has had a stranglehold on the fanbase's optimism about their future after being ahead of the curve two years ago. However, the team hit the reset button this offseason and, if they play their cards right, could return to the top of the standings again soon.