Thoughts on Who the Grizzlies Should Draft with the Third Pick
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The NBA draft lottery occurred last night and my favorite team, the Grizzlies, got the third overall pick. Let’s discuss.
I am stoked about this. The Grizzlies had a bad, bad season, but now they have a very high lottery pick. They traded Jaren Jackson Jr, I hope they trade Ja Morant next, and maybe get off some of the old contracts. I want this team to go young and start a small, but quick rebuild. If they can find a team for Morant, attach a player like Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, and maybe get a future pick or two, that would be ideal for me. I want them to move on from the older players, who had some success that I will be forever grateful for, and start building around Cedric Coward and Zach Edey, that would be the best thing moving ahead. And they can really kick start the fast rebuild with this third overall pick. And I don't want them to trade the pick either. I want them to keep it and take one of the three players I'm about to talk about. I know the idea of attaching the pick to get some win now guys is enticing, but don't give in Grizzlies. Keep the pick.
Looking at their roster, I'd like them to take a front court player or a taller wing player. The backcourt has, for now, Ja Morant, Scotty Pippen Jr and Ty Jerome. So, while a player like Keaton Wagler or Kingston Flemings may be desirable, I want them to stick with the current guys, and if they were to trade Morant, maybe try to get a point guard in return. I also think, that given a full season of health, and no expectations, Ty Jerome and Cedric Coward could run the offense. I'd love to see Coward, who is listed as a forward, but is 6'5, get some run as the lead guard. That would be interesting to me. As I get deeper into the roster, what they need is true front court talent. Brandon Clarke Jr is old and often injured. I still have hope in Zach Edey. O-Max Prosper hasn't lived up to his draft position. Santi Aldama is soft and more of a three point threat. They need beef. They need strength. They need a low post presence that can stretch the defense at times.
My top choice for this pick, the guy I want them to take with this pick over anyone else is Cam Boozer. He would start right away. He won't replace JJJ, but he will help in that area. He is big, 6'10. He is a good post scorer. He can shoot the three. He is a solid three point shooter. He is a decent rebounder. He does need to get leaps and bounds better on defense, but that can come with coaching. I don't want the Grizzlies to overthink this. It should be an easy and simple decision. Take Boozer, don't waste everyone's time. Do the right thing and do it fast.
If they go in some other direction, or Boozer is already gone, there are two other players I would like them to take here. Caleb Wilson had loads of potential, and he is a highly talented offensive prospect. He can get anywhere he wants on the floor. He is an excellent shot creator. He has no fear going to the rim and he can shoot from the outside. His defense leaves a ton to be desired, and he missed a big chunk of last season due to injury. You could tell that UNC missed him greatly when he went out with his injury, but that is good and bad. I think Wilson is a high risk, but also very high reward player. If he hits, Wilson could be a perennial all star. But there's also the possibility of him flaming out, and that frightens me a bit. And then there is my, if this kid is here for some unknown reason, and even if Boozer is still available, they would have to draft AJ Dybansta. Dybansta is my favorite prospect in the whole draft. I think he is the best overall player by leaps and bounds. He is primed and ready to play and contribute from day one. You can build an offense and a team around him. He works his tail off on defense and he will only get better. He made BYU a watchable basketball team last season. He has all the tools you want in a player, and if he "slips" to the Grizzlies at three, they need to snatch him right away. He would be the best thing that could happen to the franchise right now. I'd want them to trade Morant asap if they are somehow able to draft Dybansta. The team will be his from day one. But, since he is so good and coveted, I am sure that the Wizards are going to take him first overall. So that would leave the Grizzlies with Boozer or Wilson, and I'd want them to take Boozer.
This is my hope, but we will see what they do when the draft rolls around. Time will tell.
Ty
Ty is the Pop Culture editor for SeedSing, the other host of the X Millennial Man Podcast, and the greatest basketball writer on the internet.