Christopher Kline of FanSided recently did another mock draft following a pretty electric first weekend of the NCAA Tournament. There have been plenty of intriguing Grizzlies mock drafts lately, but this scenario is arguably the most interesting one yet.
Sitting at 24-47, the Grizzlies currently have the 7th best lottery odds and have a 31.9% chance of picking in the top 4 of this stacked 2026 NBA Draft. Kline's latest mock draft has the Grizzlies getting lucky with the NBA draft lottery and landing the #2 pick of the draft.
Previously, Christopher Kline mocked Cam Boozer to the Grizzlies at #3 overall despite being the best player on the board. This time, the Grizzlies ended up passing on Cam Boozer and taking ultra-talented Kansas freshman Darryn Peterson 2nd overall. Using their other first-round pick, the Grizzlies double-dipped at guard and ended up picking Iowa's Bennett Stirtz 18th overall.
This mock draft would certainly end the Ja Morant era in Memphis
The biggest question surrounding the Grizzlies this offseason is whether Ja Morant will play in Memphis next season. A more frontcourt-heavy draft haul could still open a slight window for Morant to be on the Grizzlies next season. However, selecting Darryn Peterson and Bennett Stirtz would certainly guarantee that the Grizzlies move on from Morant this offseason.
Beyond the question of Ja Morant's future, the Grizzlies already have a significant logjam of guards. Conversations would certainly be had about the future of guys such as Walter Clayton Jr., Scotty Pippen Jr., and potentially even Ty Jerome. Despite a potentially large overhaul to the backcourt, Peterson and Stirtz could impact winning in Memphis very early on.
Peterson would be a franchise-altering draft pick
Darryn Peterson is one of the best guard prospects that we have seen in the last few cycles. Peterson played in 24 games this season, averaging 20.2 points, 4.2 rebounds, and 1.6 assists in just 29 minutes per game.
Peterson has stood out at Kansas due to his high-level shot-making, but his injuries have been a hot topic of conversation. Peterson injured his hamstring early in the year and had been coming out of games earlier in the season due to cramping and his lingering hamstring issue. However, Peterson was starting to look healthier towards the end of the season.
Peterson's talent is simply impossible to ignore despite the injury concerns. He is a comfortable three-level scorer that is strong on and off the ball. Peterson also shot 38% from three at a high volume and is especially comfortable as a midrange shooter. He also offers defensive playmaking and is a plus defender. While the playmaking concerns are legit, Peterson is an offensive engine that already has star potential.
The Grizzlies already have talented building blocks in Zach Edey and Cedric Coward, but Darryn Peterson would significantly elevate the young core in Memphis.
Stirtz is also a solid backcourt boost
The Grizzlies passed on some good frontcourt options to take Bennett Stirtz, such as Aday Mara and Morez Johnson Jr. The Grizzlies ended up taking Chris Cenac Jr. in the second round later in the mock, but it is understandable as to why they'd like Stirtz.
Bennett Stirtz is having a very strong senior campaign and has led the Iowa Hawkeyes to their first Sweet 16 since 1999. In 35 games, Stirtz is averaging 19.7 points, 2.7 rebounds, and 4.5 assists in 37.6 minutes per game. Stirtz is a comfortable scorer and playmaker out of pick-and-roll and has a solid shooting touch. Despite concerns with on-ball defense and athleticism, Stirtz is a smart player and would be a strong fit in Tuomas Iisalo's offense.
There are plenty of questions surrounding the Grizzlies this offseason, given their decision to rebuild and Ja Morant's future. The 2026 NBA Draft is a significant opportunity to accelerate the Grizzlies' rebuild. While this would be a controversial draft haul given how well loved Ja Morant, it is one that could get the Grizzlies back to winning sooner than many anticipate.