One of the most telling answers from GM Zach Kleiman was his goal for the team to get "bigger, stronger, and more physical" after this season. Kevin O'Connor just released a new mock draft, and it's safe to say the mock is exactly what Kleiman wants. O'Connor has the Grizzlies selecting Illinois' Keaton Wagler 6th overall and Texas' Dailyn Swain 16th overall.
The Grizzlies currently have the 6th best lottery odds and should have another pick in the early to mid-teens depending on how the Orlando Magic and Phoenix Suns finish this season. My only gripe with this mock draft outcome is not adding to the frontcourt depth behind Zach Edey. However, this mock is still a homerun for the Grizzlies and really improves the positional size of the roster.
Keaton Wagler can be the next great guard in Memphis
It is becoming increasingly clear that the Grizzlies will trade Ja Morant this summer. There will also be additional movement to solve the backcourt logjam. Being in the early stages of the rebuild, the Grizzlies should look to draft the best talents available regardless of fit. Keaton Wagler is a strong option at #6 and can also be a good fit for the Grizzlies as well.
Listed at 6-foot-6 and 180 pounds, Keaton Wagler will have to put on some muscle at the next level. But Wagler's height and 7-foot wingspan would be the perfect boost for allowing the Grizzlies to have a bigger backcourt. Given the fact Kleiman mentioned the desire for the team to get bigger and stronger, it feels unlikely that the Grizzlies will target a smaller guard.
Despite some athletic concerns, there is plenty to like about Wagler's game. Wagler is a strong pick-and-roll fit for Tuomas Iisalo's offense and has significant promise as a shooter. Wagler's footwork and ball handling should make him a reliable offensive player at the next level. Wagler averaged 17.9 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 4.2 assists in 37 games while also shooting 39.7% from three.
Wagler showed impressive composure for a freshman and had a strong rise despite not being a top-100 recruit out of college. Simply put, Keaton Wagler would be a strong choice for the Grizzlies at #6.
Swain really boosts a promising group of Grizzlies forwards
One of the things that really gives the Grizzlies a strong floor going into their rebuild is the amount of promising forwards they already have. Cedric Coward, Jaylen Wells, GG Jackson II, and Taylor Hendricks make up a strong group of wings, but the Grizzlies can still add another quality option. Dailyn Swain had a strong junior season for Texas and has really boosted his stock for this year's draft.
Grizzlies fans that like good athletic upside and downhill ability would certainly like Dailyn Swain. Listed at 6-foot-8 and 225 pounds, Swain is also another big athletic wing full of upside on both sides of the ball. There are legitimate concerns about Swain's jumpshot, but that has not stopped him from being a quality offensive player.
Swain averaged 17.3 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 3.6 assists in 36 games. He also added 1.9 stocks (steals and blocks) and also showed great promise finishing at the rim.
Given how many roster changes there could still be, the Grizzlies will have some difficult but exciting decisions to make in this loaded 2026 NBA Draft. Regardless, getting Keaton Wagler and Dailyn Swain would be a huge win for Grizzlies fans and perfectly accomplish Kleiman's goal of building a bigger and stronger team.
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