Bleacher Report's latest mock draft is one of the best-case scenarios for the Memphis Grizzlies so far. Even though the dream scenario would be for the Grizzlies to somehow land in the top 3, the mock lays out a very solid outcome for the franchise.
The Grizzlies will almost certainly have a top-8 pick, and their other first-round pick should likely land in the top 20. Their second-rounder should also be one of the very first picks of the second round. In what is a very loaded 2026 NBA Draft class, the Grizzlies should have plenty of options for immediately boosting the talent level on the roster.
The Grizzlies selected Mikel Brown Jr. eighth overall out of Louisville. They also selected UConn's Braylon Mullins 19th overall using their second first-round pick. To top off a strong mock draft haul, the Grizzlies selected Duke's Patrick Ngongba II using the 32nd overall pick.
This is a good draft haul but it comes at one major cost
There is no denying that this would be an incredible haul for the Grizzlies. Mikel Brown Jr. has everything it takes to be a high-level guard in the NBA and succeed Ja Morant in Memphis. Mullins also gives the Grizzlies a quality movement shooter, and Ngongba II is a welcome boost to the frontcourt.
However, with the Braylon Mullins pick, the Grizzlies passed on arguably one of their best possible draft targets of the whole first round. The following pick has the Charlotte Hornets selecting Michigan center Aday Mara. Mara has played an integral role in Michigan being one of the most dominant frontcourts in the entire country.
Listed at 7 feet 3 inches and 255 pounds, having Aday Mara's size on the roster along with Zach Edey's would be a matchup nightmare. Aday Mara would be an immediate solution for the minutes Zach Edey is off the floor, and there is significant intrigue in running double-big lineups with them. The Grizzlies have lacked size lately due to injuries and roster changes, but the opposite would be the case next season.
Mara has very significant two-way upside
One of the biggest reasons that the Grizzlies have struggled without Zach Edey is that they lack quality defensive bigs right now. Aday Mara is one of the best defensive centers in the country and should immediately succeed as an NBA defender. Mara will need to add strength and better manage foul trouble, but the upside is clearly evident, and he moves well for his size.
Aday Mara also has plenty of upside on the offensive side of the ball. Mara is a very solid roll man out of pick-and-rolls and is always a capable lob threat. Mara's passing ability is arguably one of his best skills for his size, as he is comfortable as an outlet passer and passing out of the post.
Like any prospect, he has things to work on, such as his free throw shooting and avoiding foul trouble. However, he has some of the most interesting two-way potential in this year's loaded draft class. There will always be injury risk associated with drafting 7-footers, but teams like the Oklahoma City Thunder and San Antonio Spurs have significantly benefited from their frontcourt size.
In this hypothetical draft scenario, the Grizzlies would be wise to pick Mikel Brown Jr. 8th overall anyway. Mullins and Ngongba II are great picks, but a different path, such as selecting Aday Mara 19th overall and Duke's Isaiah Evans 32nd overall, would fill key needs and prevent the Grizzlies from losing out on a great talent like Aday Mara.