The main centerpiece of the Grizzlies' offseason plans will be who they use the #3 overall pick on. It's a very exciting pick, but the Grizzlies will also have an opportunity at #16 overall to get another quality player. Whether they stay at #16 or even trade up, they have a plethora of options. Luckily for them, Dailyn Swain, a junior forward out of Texas, will remain in this year's draft.
The Grizzlies have some promising forwards on the roster already, but they should likely add another high-upside option. Enter Dailyn Swain. Dailyn Swain spent two years at Xavier before joining head coach Sean Miller at Texas for his junior season. Swain had his best season yet, averaging 17.3 points, 7.5 rebounds, 3.6 assists, and 1.9 stocks in 36 starts.
Dailyn Swain was very likely going to stay in the 2026 NBA Draft anyways. However, his confirmation could end up being a significant win for the Grizzlies.
Texas’ Dailyn Swain closed the door on a return to college. “Two feet in,” he said.
— Jeff Borzello (@jeffborzello) May 13, 2026
No. 26 in ESPN’s most recent mock draft. pic.twitter.com/zhhUk6vhd3
The Grizzlies have a golden opportunity to swing for upside
One thing that is clear in these NBA playoffs is that having quality two-way athletes is absolutely essential. There is already some upside on the roster with players such as GG Jackson II and Cedric Coward, but the team could arguably still get more athletic. Listed at 6-foot-8 and 225 pounds, Dailyn Swain is the exact type of two-way athlete the Grizzlies should be targeting.
There are valid concerns about his jumpshot given the lack of three-point volume and shooting just 34% from three this season. Swain could also be more aggressive on the offense end at times. But there is plenty to like about his game.
One key aspect of his game that should immediately translate in the NBA is how effectively he attacks downhill. The Grizzlies have that in GG Jackson II, but they would strongly benefit from adding another quality downhill driver. Swain's jumpshot will truly determine his offensive ceiling, but his ability to create off the dribble is encouraging.
Swain can also guard multiple positions and is another quality fastbreak scorer the Grizzlies would benefit from having. There is a chance the Grizzlies would have to trade up to get him, but it is absolutely worth considering. If Swain falls to the 16th overall pick, the Grizzlies could easily be getting one of the steals of the entire draft class.
The 3rd overall pick carries plenty of weight for the Grizzlies, but selecting Dailyn Swain 16th overall or trading up for him could make the team one of the biggest winners of a loaded 2026 NBA Draft.
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