Grizzlies labeled 'best fit' for argued No. 1 prospect in Draft, and it's not Clingan

For months now, the Memphis Grizzlies have found themselves frequently linked to UConn Huskies standout Donovan Clingan as being a potential match heading into the 2024 NBA Draft.

Being they're a win-now team (at least, when healthy) who lack a trustworthy option to roll out at their primary pivot position, many have believed the idea of scooping up the 7-foot-2 center could prove to be extremely valuable for the franchise.

Over the past few weeks, there have even been rumblings that have suggested Zach Kleiman and company are open to moving up in the upcoming draft to better their odds of landing his services.

Recently, however, it was argued by Bleacher Report's Zach Buckley that the Grizzlies may not be the ideal landing spot for the likes of Clingan, due, in large, to their lower-level lottery standing coupled with the fact that there are bound to be several other teams higher than them on the board who could equally use for the 20-year-old's talents.

Instead, the seasoned writer would make the case that, at their current standing, Memphis should be viewed as the "best fit" for the likes of G League Ignite stud, Ron Holland.

Grizzlies tabbed as 'best fit' for Ron Holland ahead of 2024 NBA Draft

Citing their long-time need for a two-way wing, coupled with Memphis' slew of floor spacers, Buckley is of the belief that the high-upside Holland would be provided with the ideal surrounding fits in Grind City to hone his craft at the next level and, if all goes well, benefit Taylor Jenkins' rotation in the process.

"In a perfect world, Holland would wind up somewhere with spacers in its frontcourt and enough win-now talent to not need instant contributions from him. The Grizzlies check both boxes, since they have Jaren Jackson Jr. as their floor-spacing 5 and a roster that, assuming good health for Ja Morant, could be in position to contend as soon as next season.

Memphis would only need as much from Holland as he is currently able to provide, but if he's more ready than expected, he wouldn't encounter major roadblocks on the wings."

Zach Buckley

Argued by some such as Buckley's B/R cohort Jonathan Wasserman as the number one prospect in this year's draft class, Holland finds himself coming off a one-and-done season with the Ignite where he went on to post impressive per-game averages of 18.5 points, 6.7 rebounds, 2.8 assists, 2.1 steals, and 1.1 blocks on 47.4 percent shooting from the floor.

While his long-range shooting and ball-handling skills are areas that still need improving, the idea of adding on a talent who boasts eye-catching athleticism, and who has been compared to the likes of a young Jimmy Butler could be too much for the Grizzlies to pass up if they were to remain at number nine on the board and the 18-year-old were to still be available.

Even though he may be a bit raw coming into the NBA, when taking into account Memphis' recent success stories of developing the likes of GG Jackson and Vince Williams Jr., there should be plenty of faith in this coaching staff's ability to pull out the best in Holland at the next level.