3 realistic targets to consider should Grizzlies keep No. 9 NBA Draft pick

1. Kel'el Ware

Should UConn's Donovan Clingan still be available at ninth overall then without question he'd become Memphis' top choice with the pick. Of course, based on the latest projections, the 20-year-old is expected to go somewhere within the top five, meaning the Grizzlies may have to look elsewhere in their efforts to bolster the pivot.

Though the bigger name at this point may be Purdue's Zach Edey, taking a swing on Indiana's Kel'el Ware may actually be the better choice to make.

The 20-year-old broke onto the scene during his first season with the Indiana Hoosiers, showcasing an impressive combination of athleticism and floor spacing abilities that are always coveted by teams at the next level, especially when such attributes come within the frontcourt rotation.

Measuring in at 7-feet, 242 pounds, Ware has a mesmerizing build for an NBA center, while his two-way acumen only strengthens the intrigue in his potential at the next level.

In many ways, the Hoosier standout resembles a Nic Claxton-esque player but with shooting abilities, and he wrapped up his sophomore season at the collegiate level with impressive averages of 15.9 points, 9.9 rebounds, and 1.9 blocks while shooting 58.6 percent from the floor and 42.5 percent from distance.

From his rim running capabilities that would mesh out on the break alongside high-speed point guard Ja Morant to his outside shooting stroke and solid shot swatting skills, taking a chance on the upside Ware possesses could be a low-risk, high-reward move the Grizzlies should strongly consider aking.