Memphis Grizzlies general manager Zach Kleiman has a history of hitting on picks in the middle portion of the draft. Current players Brandon Clarke (1.21), Santi Aldama (1.30), Desmond Bane (1.30), Jaylen Wells (2.39), GG Jackson (2.45), and Vince Williams Jr. (2.47) headline Memphis' ability to find talent down the board.
Memphis' 25-15 record is sixth best in the NBA, meaning the Grizzlies are again looking for underrated talent later in the draft. The Grizzlies hold their first-round draft pick (projected 25th overall) and the better of Houston or Oklahoma City's second-round selection (projected 56th overall). So, let's look at some talent the Grizzlies should consider come June:
Chaz Lanier, SG, Tennessee
The 6 foot 4, 199-pound wing is putting together a fantastic season for the Volunteers, averaging 19.0 points per game, including a stellar 43.7 three-point percentage. Although he's an older prospect (23), Lanier, a selectee for the Wooden Award midseason top 25 showcases win-now intangibles that Kleiman has looked for in the past on players like Cam Spencer, Vince Williams Jr., and Jaylen Wells.
Lanier is a late bloomer who spent the first four years of his career at North Florida, three of which he was mediocre. His skill with the basketball in his hands is apparent because he relies on pace, weight-shifting, and pull-ups. Lanier's scoring abilities put him in consideration for a late first-round selection.
Johni Broome, F, Auburn
Broome (22), a 6'10 ", 240-pound big man, has been dominating college basketball for the Auburn Tigers, who are ranked number one. Broome was the runaway Wooden Award favorite for most of the non-conference play but suffered a sprained ankle in Auburn's win against South Carolina, putting Broome's status in question.
Broome averages 17.9 points, 10.7 rebounds, and 3.5 stocks (steals and blocks) on a 54.7 field goal percentage. Broome's versatility is what will be coveted most by NBA teams. Whether it is running the floor, posting up, spotting up from three, or catching lobs, the Auburn big man can score in a multitude of ways.
Broome's developing jump shot, vision and defensive prowess will make him a coveted first-round talent come draft night.
Josh Hubbard, PG, Mississippi State
Hubbard, a 5'11", 190-pound lead guard has led the Mississippi State Bulldogs to a top-15 ranking in his true sophomore season, averaging 17.0 points, 3.2 assists, and less than one turnover per game. Hubbard, although undersized, is one of the most explosive players in the nation.
His 30.4 usage rate is awe-inspiring, considering he has finished 10 out of 16 games this season without a turnover. For comparison, Hubbard's usage rate would be good for eighth in the NBA, right behind Tyrese Maxey (30.5) and in front of Kevin Durant (30.3).
Hubbard has two years of eligibility remaining, but his scoring abilities and efficiency bump in every category means he will at least consider entering the draft as a second-round prospect.