Given that the Grizzlies pick third overall while also having picks #16 and #32, they have plenty of flexibility with their draft approach. Regardless of who the Grizzlies select at #3, they will have an interesting decision of whether or not to take a guard with their next pick. If they select a guard at #16 or trade up, Labaron Philon Jr. could be a sneaky fit for the Grizzlies.
With questions continuing to surround Ja Morant's future, it would be ideal for the Grizzlies to land their long-term successor as soon as possible. On the flip side, it can easily be argued that the Grizzlies don't exactly have to trade up for a guard or take one at #16, and that they can go ahead and continue adding more size to the roster.
For now, this hypothetical will operate under the assumption that the Grizzlies want to take a guard. Even after picking third overall, the Grizzlies could get extremely bold and try to trade back up into the top 10 to select a guard such as Mikel Brown Jr. or Keaton Wagler. If the Grizzlies don't end up getting back into the top 10, they can still feel confident about selecting Labaron Philon Jr.
It will be interesting to see what Philon Jr.'s draft range is
After withdrawing from the 2025 NBA Draft to stay at Alabama for his sophomore season, Labaron Philon Jr. has made a strong case to be in the conversation as a lottery pick. I think Philon Jr. is a lottery-caliber talent, but the Grizzlies should absolutely capitalize if he falls. Jeremy Woo of ESPN did a new mock draft based on recent intel, having Philon Jr. land at #17 for Oklahoma City.
For context, in the same mock draft, the Grizzlies selected Texas Tech's Christian Anderson Jr. 16th overall. Anderson Jr. is a very intriguing pick as well, but the case for Philon Jr. in Memphis should still be strong. Philon Jr. has intriguing potential as a three-level scorer at the next level and made significant growth as a playmaker and shot creator in his sophomore season.
Philon Jr. could end up being a steal for the Grizzlies
Listed at 6 foot 3 and 176.2 pounds, there are understandably size concerns, but Philon Jr. still showed a very impressive ability to score at the rim and also possesses a 6 foot 6.25 inch wingspan. In 33 games (32 starts), Philon Jr. ended up averaging 22 points, 3.5 rebounds, and 5 assists on 50.1/39.9/79.8 shooting splits.
Philon Jr. could've justifiably stayed in the 2025 NBA Draft, but it was impressive to see him return to school and make such significant offensive growth in an expanded role. While his defense wasn't as strong as his freshman year, there is still a decent chance he ends up being a positive defender in the NBA.
Even though Philon Jr. could have a slight draft drop, this is simply a strong guard class, and it should not be a negative indictment on his game. Plus, if anything, a team could end up getting a massive steal as a result.
Whether the Grizzlies have to trade up or Philon Jr. falls to #16, they should absolutely consider selecting him on draft night.
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