Despite finishing 48-34 with one of the youngest rosters in the NBA, the Memphis Grizzlies experienced a disappointing midseason collapse, which led to the late-season firing of Taylor Jenkins and ultimately resulted in the team being swept by the Oklahoma City Thunder in the first round. Pressure is at an all-time high for Zach Kleiman to build a championship-level roster after making Tuomas Iisalo the franchise's long-term head coach.
After making the playoffs, the Grizzlies' protected 2025 first-round pick was conveyed to the Washington Wizards, leaving the team with the 48th and 56th overall picks. The recent success of Jaylen Wells and pre-injury flashes shown by GG Jackson II and Vince Williams Jr. give reason to believe Kleiman can find late value once again.
There are quality 3-and-D players in this year's draft
The Memphis Grizzlies must add experienced wing players via trade or free agency this offseason. However, this should not discourage the franchise from taking a flyer on a wing player at pick 48 or 56. Here are some targets to consider:
1. Sion James, Guard, Duke
At 22 years old, James was a key leader and defensive anchor of Duke’s recent Final Four run. Being 6 feet 6 inches and 220 pounds, James has the positional size needed to defend at a high level in the NBA. Despite concerns about his wingspan, James has very fast hands and elite defensive awareness. Sion James averaged 1.4 steals and 0.5 blocks per game in college, showing consistent defensive intensity and creating more possessions for his team.
This past season, James shot 51.6% from the field, 41.3% from three, and 81% from the free throw line. James showed a great balance of catch-and-shoot ability and efficient scoring at the rim. James is also a capable playmaker, having a solid 2.5 assist-to-turnover ratio this past season. Although James was not tasked with being a primary scoring option for Duke, he proved to be a reliable shot maker and facilitator for his teammates.
2. RJ Luis Jr., Forward, St. John's
RJ Luis Jr. is coming off an impressive season at St. John’s, earning him All-American status and the Big East Player of the Year award. This season, RJ Luis Jr. averaged 18.2 points, 7.2 rebounds, and 2.0 assists per game, showing great production as the #1 option. Unfortunately, he had an unceremonious ending to his college career that saw Rick Pitino bench him late in the team's round of 32 defeat to Arkansas.
Luis Jr. also showed great defensive playmaking, averaging 2.0 combined steals and blocks (stocks) per game. Listed at 6 feet 7 inches and 215 pounds, Luis Jr. is another lengthy and aggressive on-ball defender who would help the Grizzlies. Ultimately, the 22-year-old must improve his scoring off the dribble and avoid picking up unnecessary fouls.
3. Jamir Watkins, Forward, Florida State
Listed at 6 feet 7 inches and 210 pounds, Watkins averaged 18.4 points per game this season in just 31 minutes and is very comfortable scoring off the dribble. However, at 23 years old, it is fair to worry about his shooting ability, as he shot 42% from the field and 32% from three.
Despite his shooting splits, Watkins raised his stock at the NBA Draft Combine. Watkins showed an impressive ability to shoot both off the dribble and the catch, but his performance in the second scrimmage drew attention. He scored an impressive 23 points and added 5 steals and a block. His ball pressure and ability to force turnovers will immediately make him an impact defender in the NBA.