Grizzlies create new 'big three' in latest 2024 mock draft

As has been indicated by their lackluster 18-35 record and through their trade deadline decision-making, it's become rather clear that the Memphis Grizzlies are punting on the 2023-24 campaign and, in turn, bettering their odds of landing a premier pick come this June's draft.

Had they been at full strength from the jump, or even once Ja Morant made his return in mid-December and onward, there's a very realistic chance that Taylor Jenkins' club would be amid a playoff push with sights set on the Larry O'Brien Trophy.

However, with their bevy of bites from the injury bug, Memphis is now playing and, simultaneously, planning for their future and, in a recent mock draft penned by Michael Saenz of Sir Charles in Charge they are seen snagging G League Ignite standout Ron Holland with the third overall pick in an effort to bolster their talent pool at the wing and, in Saenz's eyes, create a new "big three" alongside Morant and Desmond Bane.

2024 NBA Mock Draft sees Grizzlies land Ron Holland third overall

"Ron Holland could be a solid addition for the Grizzlies. In a vacuum, Holland translates to be a dynamic player at the next level. Even though he's shown a bit of inconsistency this season with the G League Ignite, it's hard to deny his potential with the raw skill set that he possesses on the offensive end of the floor.

If the Grizzlies could create a big three between Morant, Desmond Bane, and Holland, it would be a huge win for the franchise. The big question is whether the Grizzlies are willing to wait out Holland's development. It's hard to imagine he'd be one of the most NBA-ready prospects with how much he's struggled with inconsistency this season."

- Michael Saenz

Through 14 games played with the Ignite, Holland finds himself sporting solid per-game counting stats of 20.6 points, 6.6 rebounds, 3.0 assists, and 2.5 steals and has showcased an impressive amount of upside with both his thunderous athleticism and defensive tenacity.

Of course, as Saenz noted, his production has been rather inconsistent in the development league this season, as he's shooting at a mere 44.5 percent clip from the floor, 24.0 percent from deep, and is coughing up nearly 3.0 turnovers a game.

Though the concept of improving the wing spot for the Grizzlies has been one oft talked about throughout this year's campaign, with the recent emergence of both Vince Williams Jr. and GG Jackson, it seems that the franchise may already have some possible long-term solutions at the position.

Fortunately, should Memphis not be sold on Holland due to these aforementioned inconsistencies, they could also look to trade back in the draft to select someone who could help solve their recently created center conundrum, with options such as UCONN's Donovan Clingan and Duke's Kyle Filipowski both serving as possible options.

Frankly, with their recent shortcomings with taking a chance on raw developmental talents in the lottery such as Ziaire Williams, the Grizzlies may shy away from a guy like Holland if they landed a top-three selection.