When looking at the last few years, the Grizzlies have been plagued by injuries and had an epic collapse in the 2024-25 season that started the dismantling of a once promising core. It feels like very few things have gone right for the franchise as of late, but Grizzlies fans just had their dream draft scenario come true. The Memphis Grizzlies will be picking 3rd overall in this year's loaded 2026 NBA Draft.
Entering another rebuild again so soon is far from ideal, but the Grizzlies are in the absolute dream situation to bounce back quickly. This summer they will have three picks inside the top-32, picking 3rd overall, 16th overall, and 32nd overall. Now, it will be easier to map out what should be a pivotal offseason in franchise history.
The Grizzlies have multiple great options at #3
A lot can happen now between today and the NBA Draft. But one thing that should excite Grizzlies fans is that they're guaranteed a shot at one of AJ Dybantsa, Darryn Peterson, and Cameron Boozer. It also cannot be counted out that Caleb Wilson enters the conversation in the top 3. Simply put, today almost guarantees that the Grizzlies will land a franchise-altering player and significantly shave time off the rebuild.
The Grizzlies have significant flexibility with the #3 pick. They can either select one of Boozer and Wilson and form an intimidating frontcourt with an emerging Zach Edey. They can also significantly boost their scoring upside with Darryn Peterson or AJ Dybantsa. The Grizzlies are in a strong position to come away huge winners regardless of how they use the 16th and 32nd overall picks.
The Grizzlies were due for a favorable break after the last few years
The Grizzlies have been crushed with injuries the last few seasons and have not won a playoff series since a strong 2021-22 season. Fan favorites Jaren Jackson Jr. and Desmond Bane have already been traded, and there is a chance Ja Morant is next. After a disastrous 2026 full of losing and a constantly growing list of 10-day contracts, the Grizzlies got the favorable break fans have been looking for.
Even though the Grizzlies could have an entirely new core, the team has significant draft capital and a fast track to being a playoff team again in the near future. Regardless of how next season plays out, it is easy to see how promising the franchise's outlook is starting to look now. Today marks a new era of Memphis Grizzlies basketball, and it could end up being the most successful one yet.
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