The Grizzlies' general manager, Zach Kleiman, has a successful draft history that has made the Grizzlies a consistent contender in the Western Conference race. His second-round hit rate is what has made him one of the best general managers in the NBA, and has the franchise considered as a top 10 NBA front office.
Outside of an injury-riddled 2023-24 season, they have made the playoffs or play-in every season since he took over as general manager and drafted Ja Morant and Brandon Clarke in 2019. He was also a part of the front office group that drafted Jaren Jackson Jr. in the 2018 NBA Draft, signaling his importance in establishing the Grizzlies' core stars.
He really made his money in the 2020 and 2021 drafts with his selections of Desmond Bane and Santi Aldama, respectively, after a trade up into the final pick in the first round. During his tenure, he has had his fair share of blunders, but that comes with the territory. With only 18 total roster spots between the main roster and two-way contracts, connecting on every draft pick would involve letting some go as well.
While two of his last three second-round picks from 2023 and 2024 appear to have bright NBA futures, including as possible starters for this year's team in Jaylen Wells and GG Jackson, his selections this season will have to follow the path of Cam Spencer. After Spencer earned a roster spot this offseason following a year under a two-way contract, the Grizzlies' new second-round selections look destined to follow the same path.
Javon Small adds depth to a position that needed it
The former West Virginia point guard was selected with the 48th overall pick and signed a two-way contract with the team ahead of summer league play. The Grizzlies wanted to add more toughness and ball handling to their backcourt after the Oklahoma City Thunder exposed their depth in the playoffs and Small showed he can potentially live up to the task.
In two NBA 2K26 Summer League games, the 6'3" guard averaged 17 points, 7 assists, and 4.5 rebounds on 46.6% shooting, including 50% from three. While it was a small sample size, he displayed some of the playmaking he said was an underrated part of his game, while showing defensive toughness the team craves more of.
Jahmai Mashack adds grit back to the franchise
The former Tennessee Volunteers guard has already become a fan favorite in a city that despises the college he played. It's easy to win over a city that loves tough and gritty players, and that's exactly what Mashack represents and showed glimpses of during summer league.
In five total summer league games between Salt Lake City and Las Vegas, Mashack averaged 2 steals and 1.2 blocks, on defense, while showing an unexpected offensive game. He showed some playmaking ability with 4.4 assists per game and shot a very respectable 41.7% from three. He has yet to sign a two-way contract with the Grizzlies, but they have one spot open and are expected to execute a deal to officially add him to the organization.