Headlined by Cam Boozer, the Grizzlies have an exciting 2026 NBA Draft class that looks like one of the best on paper. While most of the consensus surrounding the Grizzlies' draft has been overwhelmingly positive, Sam Vecenie's latest draft grades should excite Grizzlies fans.
Vecenie gave out 4 A+ grades throughout the league, which included the Jazz, Kings, and Wizards, but most importantly, the Grizzlies. However, besides the fact that he gave the Grizzlies an A+, he gave glowing praise of what they ended up accomplishing during the draft. He wrote the following:
"From a process and value perspective, this was my favorite draft. The Grizzlies entered with Nos. 3, 16, and 32 and ended it with my Nos. 2, 24, and 26 prospects while also acquiring one of the best backup centers in the league and two additional second-round picks." - Sam Vecenie, The Athletic
The Grizzlies did extremely well after selecting Cam Boozer
It speaks volumes that Vecenie's favorite class was the Grizzlies. After an amazing lone season at Duke, Cam Boozer has all the makings of a potential franchise cornerstone, but what the Grizzlies did after the third overall pick could end up turning the class from a good one to a truly great one.
Given that the Grizzlies moved back five spots in the first round, there was understandably some early skepticism of what Zach Kleiman's plan was. However, what followed proved to be very impressive. After getting two second-round picks by trading back from #16 to 17 with the Thunder, the Grizzlies gained three more second-round picks by moving from #17 to #21 with the Pistons.
They then ended up selecting 19-year-old Karim Lopez of the New Zealand Breakers. Despite how talented Labaron Philon Jr. was and going 22nd overall, it was fair for the Grizzlies to select an intriguing project rather than add to the logjam of guards.
Truthfully, my gut reaction to the pick was filled with skepticism given how raw Lopez's game is and that he will have to improve his jumpshot. Zach Kleiman, for all his draft hits, has also had misses on wings that are well-rounded but have athletic concerns, such as Jake LaRavia and David Roddy. But compared to those players, Lopez will enter the league much younger and having already experienced pro physicality.
The NBL is extremely physical, and Lopez handled it well at a young age thanks to his rebounding motor and off-ball ability. If Lopez can improve his on-ball creation and jumpshot, the Grizzlies could have one of the steals of the entire class.
Day 2 of the draft was arguably just as impressive for the Grizzlies. While Isaiah Evans would've been a tremendous pick 32nd overall, BYU's Richie Saunders gives the Grizzlies another tenacious rebounder and one of the best shooters of the 2026 NBA Draft.
Despite being 24 years old and coming off an ACL tear, his skillset could prove useful, and putting him on a two-way contract while he recovers is a strong possibility. Just minutes after selecting Saunders, the Grizzlies then traded for Detroit's Isaiah Stewart using the same three second-round picks acquired from the Pistons on Day 1.
With the draft class and acquisition of Isaiah Stewart, there is a clear commitment from the team to not just boost the size of the roster but bring back a similar culture seen in the Grit and Grind era.
Simply put, getting three players that Sam Vecenie had first-round grades on while adding one of the best backup centers and rim protectors in the league is a masterclass from Zach Kleiman. Grizzlies fans should be full of belief that this draft can help the team return to playoff basketball very soon.
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