Well, this was an extremely disappointing outcome for Grizzlies fans. The Grizzlies needed at least a loss from the Orlando Magic or the Phoenix Suns on Friday night in order to secure another lottery pick in this year's loaded 2026 NBA Draft. However, both teams ended up winning by double digits. Unfortunately for Grizzlies fans, the dream scenario of having two lottery picks this summer is no more.
Given the fact that both teams lost their first Play-In Tournament games, it is understandable why many Grizzlies fans still held out hope for another lottery pick. It was a bit of a rollercoaster to get to this point, especially with how inconsistent the Orlando Magic have been at times. But the draft lottery saga is now over, and the Grizzlies will have just one lottery selection instead of the two that were originally hoped for.
The Orlando Magic will now face the Detroit Pistons, and the Phoenix Suns will face the Oklahoma City Thunder in the first round of the NBA playoffs. While an upset in either series is unlikely, both matchups are still worth monitoring for the Grizzlies. The pick can now land between 16 and 18, and the hope is for it to land at #16 depending on how the first round plays out.
What comes next for the team?
The Grizzlies at least have top 6 odds on their own pick, but having another lottery pick would've been helpful to the team's top 4 odds and even #1 odds. Most importantly, it would've also increased their chances at boosting an already promising young core in Memphis. Even though the Grizzlies have done well the last two drafts, it would've been a dream for the team to have two lottery picks.
Given how loaded this class is and how much future draft capital the Grizzlies have, it remains to be seen what they end up doing with their second pick. Will they stay at the pick? Or could they even move up like they did in past drafts such as the 2022 and 2025 drafts? Truthfully, we will have to wait to see where the Grizzlies' own pick ends up landing before being able to better map out their offseason plans.
This is a pivotal offseason for the Grizzlies, and despite rebuilding, it still remains worth it to take upside swings this summer. The Grizzlies have a strong foundation to build on, but it will be huge for them to boost the talent level around players such as Cedric Coward, Zach Edey, and GG Jackson II.
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