5 Ways Grizzlies can use 9th pick to address severe weak point

Call Charlotte about a Nick Richards trade

If Memphis is still probing the trade market for active centers to replace Steven Adams, one perhaps more underrated option to explore would be the Hornets' Nick Richards. The seven-foot big man is one of the better backup bigs in the league, and he got plenty of burn this past season with Charlotte's starter Mark Williams out for most of the year.

Richards is an excellent screen-and-roller, rebounder, and finisher. He cleans the glass at a high level and possesses strong athletic ability. Perhaps the only area for concern with Nick would be the mental aspect, as he led the league in goaltended shots this past season.

All things considered, Richards could be a starting center in the right situation, and Memphis might be the right fit for him. In terms of fit, he would be an excellent pair with Ja Morant in pick-and-roll, and he could provide some of the rebounding that Jaren Jackson Jr. cannot.

Richards would also in theory be very attainable from Charlotte. The Hornets could be drafting a center in this upcoming draft anyway, and if they do, they would almost certainly be open to finding Nick a new home for the right price. The Grizzlies should keep their ears open on this one.