Grizzlies predicted to bolster backcourt depth in latest 2024 NBA Mock Draft

Though they came into the 2023-24 campaign tabbed as legitimate threats to take home the Larry O'Brien Trophy, through 54 games played it's become more than clear that the Memphis Grizzlies (18-36) are punting on their injury-plagued season, and, in turn, are gunning for a top-flight selection in the upcoming draft.

When at full strength, Taylor Jenkins' squad is truly one of the most menacing units the association has to offer, as they're flush with proven All-Stars like Ja Morant and Jaren Jackson Jr., rising studs such as Desmond Bane and Vince Williams Jr., and highly efficient, two-way veterans like Marcus Smart.

However, due to offseason transactions and mid-season trades, within their rotation are several holes that are in dire need of filling, and some believe GM Zach Kleiman and company may be able to find a solution to at least one of these conundrums through this summer's NBA Draft.

Unfortunately, in a recent piece penned by Bleacher Report, writer Jonathan Wasserman made the bold prediction that the Grizzlies will not use their expected lottery pick on a player who fills a position of need (namely center and wing) but, instead, could look to snag Kentucky freshman Rob Dillingham at sixth overall.

Memphis Grizzlies draft Kentucky guard Rob Dillingham in latest mock

"Preseason questions over his NBA position, size and length have started to fade. Scouts are starting to picture a score-first ball-handler who can still use his creativity and gravity for some playmaking. But that catch-and-shoot success he's having also creates the versatility for him to play off the ball as well.

For a team like the Memphis Grizzlies, who are already set in the backcourt, Dillingham would operate in a similar capacity as he does for Kentucky: Bringing a jolt of offense off the bench."

- Jonathan Wasserman

The 18-year-old is projected to be a one-and-done talent and could declare for the 2024 NBA Draft in the coming months.

Boasting averages of 14.8 points, 4.0 assists, 3.0 rebounds, and 1.0 steals while shooting 48.6 percent from the floor and 44.7 percent from deep, Wasserman believes Dillingham has the makings of being a quality spark-plug offensive talent at the next level, perhaps even similar to an Immanuel Quickley.

While his production at the collegiate level certainly warrants him top-10 consideration, considering the Grizzlies currently have a plethora of electrifying backcourt talents such as Morant, Bane, Smart, and Williams Jr., it seems a tad odd to see the reasoning behind the team opting to select another guard over, say, G League Ignite wing Matas Buzelis or even trading back for Duke big Kyle Filipowski.

That said, adding someone of Dillingham's skill set is worthy of consideration in the mid-lottery, and, if they were to look into bolstering their backcourt further, the tantalizing freshman could be a sound option to pursue.