The Grizzlies have a very high chance of landing in the top 8 in this year's draft. Jonathan Wasserman's latest mock draft for Bleacher Report has the Grizzlies taking a very polarizing prospect with the 8th overall pick of the 2026 NBA Draft. Wasserman's draft has them selecting Arkansas' Darius Acuff Jr. as a potential Ja Morant successor.
Regardless of how Ja Morant's Memphis future shakes out this summer, the Grizzlies would be wise to start planning for a future without him. Luckily for the Grizzlies, the 2026 NBA Draft is stacked, and there are plenty of intriguing guard options for them depending on where their picks land.
As a freshman, Darius Acuff Jr. has had some of the best-ever college production for any John Calipari-coached guard. He is currently averaging 21.2 points, 2.9 rebounds, and 6.3 assists on the season. Acuff Jr. currently has a 61 TS% and is also making 43% of his threes. He has thrived in an SEC conference loaded with talent.
Darius Acuff Jr. has been one of the best players in the country since conference play started
— Matt (@sixringsofsteeI) February 17, 2026
Averaging 24/6 on 51/42/83 splits in SEC play
Tremendous feel, great passer, and could end up as maybe the best pure PG from this draft class.
Could Acuff Jr. be the next great Calipari guard?
Acuff Jr.'s production is especially impressive given the fact that Calipari has coached and developed NBA stars such as Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Devin Booker, and Tyrese Maxey. All the signs currently point to Acuff Jr. being a high-level scoring talent once he gets to the NBA.
One major thing seems to be holding back Acuff Jr. from being slotted higher in mock drafts. Plenty of experts in the NBA Draft space have concerns about his height. Acuff Jr. is currently listed at 6'3", which is relevant in a league that is shifting away from shorter, offensive-minded guards. Trae Young and Ja Morant having decreased value in the league are examples that somewhat represent that shift.
While players such as Young and Morant are a cautionary tale for some, the recent success of guys such as Jalen Brunson and Tyrese Maxey should not prevent teams from ruling out Acuff Jr. because of height alone. Acuff Jr.'s shooting touch and overall strong offensive feel should bode well for him in the NBA. Acuff Jr. also has a strong frame that should allow him to be a high-level finisher in the NBA.
Another factor to consider, especially in the case of the Grizzlies, is how well Darius Acuff Jr. operates in pick-and-roll. Acuff Jr. has the shooting and playmaking that are required for him to have an immediate impact in Tuomas Iisalo's offense.
While there will continue to be talks about Acuff Jr.'s height and defense in the pre-draft process, he is one of the most intriguing offensive players of the whole draft. If the Grizzlies part ways with Ja Morant, Darius Acuff Jr. could end up being an incredible successor in Memphis.