The 2026 NBA Draft is absolutely loaded, and mock drafts will continue being a significant point of interest for Grizzlies fans. A lot can happen between now and the 2026 NBA Draft Lottery on May 10, but it seems likely that the Grizzlies will have a top-8 pick.
The Grizzlies have two first-round picks, including their own, and another pick, which is the most favorable between the Suns and the Magic. The Grizzlies' second-round pick should also be one of the best picks of the second round. The 2026 NBA Draft is a golden opportunity for the Grizzlies to boost the talent level on the roster as they start to rebuild.
The Grizzlies attempted to trade Ja Morant this past trade deadline and will likely field more offers for him this summer. Regardless of how the summer plays out, the Grizzlies need to prepare for a future without him.
Sam Vecenie of The Athletic just did a mock draft that has the Grizzlies landing Louisville point guard Mikel Brown Jr. with the 8th overall pick. The Grizzlies also selected Washington power forward Hannes Steinbach with the 17th overall pick. However, the main focus is on Mikel Brown Jr., as he would be a very strong option to succeed Ja Morant in Memphis.
Mikel Brown Jr. has plenty of pedigree already
Mikel Brown Jr. was a 2025 McDonald's All-American and a top-10 recruit of a loaded 2025 college basketball recruiting class. Brown Jr. was also an integral piece for USA Basketball winning the FIBA U19 World Cup in Switzerland. Brown Jr. averaged 14.9 points, 6.1 assists, and 2.1 rebounds in seven games during the tournament.
Mikel Brown Jr. arrived at Louisville with a lot of pedigree, and it is clear how talented he is. Brown Jr. got off to a slow shooting start early in the season but recently has been showing the strong shooting ability that should translate at the next level. There is a high likelihood that he ends up becoming one of the best scorers of the entire 2026 draft class.
Mikel Brown Jr. has significant NBA upside
Brown Jr. has battled some injuries throughout the season, but it is clear that he has significant offensive upside. For the season, Brown Jr. is averaging 18.2 points, 3.3 rebounds, and 4.7 assists. His shooting splits do not tell the whole story, partly due to injuries. Despite the defensive attention he draws, Brown Jr. has shot the ball much better lately.
At 6'5", Brown Jr. has a unique blend of size and twitch that makes him very difficult to guard. Add in the fact that he projects as a very good NBA shooter and he should have an immediate offensive impact in the NBA. Brown Jr. will have to work on decreasing his turnovers, but his playstyle is perfect for the high pace that Tuomas Iisalo loves in his offense.
The Grizzlies made the decision to rebuild, and while fans are understandably worried about the team's direction, the 2026 NBA Draft is a prime opportunity for the Grizzlies to boost their talent level. With Ja Morant's future in doubt, Mikel Brown Jr. has all the tools to be a high-level offensive guard in the NBA and could end up being a great successor to Morant.