The NBA is a league where expectations and structure can shift in an instant. In preparation for the 2025 NBA Draft, the Memphis Grizzlies had two second-round selections prior to June 15.
Since the Grizzlies were widely anticipated to have an older roster during this offseason, expectations were low.
Next, a transaction took place. Memphis traded Desmond Bane for Cole Anthony, Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, and a plethora of draft picks, including four unprotected first-rounders, in exchange for a treasure trove of talent.
At this time, the Grizzlies own the 16th, 48th, and 56th overall draft choices.
On June 25th and 26th, there will be a two-day draft. Take a vacation! Try your hand at the crossword puzzle today on USA TODAY. If you want to know what the draft holds, Memphis is the one to watch.
The squad is currently in an offseason when it is looking to bolster the play of Ja Morant and Jaren Jackson Jr. with veteran NBA players.
On the flip side, assembling a long-term winning team is simplest when you pick high-caliber players in the draft.
The 2025 first-round selection was one of those. Suddenly, the whole city of Memphis became obsessed with the NBA Draft.
How Memphis handles the draft will be a telling sign on the direction of the team. Here are predictions for each Grizzlies pick in the 2025 NBA Draft.
Memphis can pick wing Cedric Coward in 2025 NBA Draft first round
If Memphis stays put at No. 16, adding a wing is the expectation. With Morant, Jackson, Jaylen Wells and Zach Edey firmly planted as starters, finding a long-term option at small forward is an emphasis.
At pick sixteen in this draft, the Grizzlies might get their choice of a variety of players.
A case in this is when Memphis beats Washington State’s Cedric Coward.
Following last season’s six games played for the Cougars, Coward initially went through the NBA Draft and transfer portal.
He was supposed to remain a Duke student after committing to the university, but his performance at the NBA combine propelled him to the position of top riser in this selection.
The Grizzlies are on the hunt for a big, athletic, and potentially two-way player. All of those things are true of a coward.
At 6-foot-6, he has a wingspan of 7 inches and a vertical leap of 38 inches. Although his time at Washington State was brief, he managed 17.7 points, 7.7 rebounds, and 3.7 assists per game.
Coward should be better prepared for a rapid transfer to the NBA after three seasons of college.
Grizzlies should add shooter Koby Brea in NBA draft second round
The Grizzlies have done a good job of identifying players in the second round who have an elite skill in recent years.
If they stick with that strategy, Koby Brea should be the pick at No. 48 overall.
No, he isn’t the greatest athlete. He’s not going to come through the lane like Morant or score off the bounce like Jackson.
However, Brea is arguably the best shooter in the draft.
Bane was dealt by Memphis, and now Luke Kennard may sign with any team he wants. In order for the Grizzlies to be a good shooting team, those gaps in their shooting defence will need to be fixed.
During her five years at the university level, Brea shot threes efficiently and frequently. After establishing himself as a top shooter in the A-10, he made the jump to Kentucky and kept up his impressive form against the conference’s top teams.
Bane was dealt by Memphis, and now Luke Kennard may sign with any team he wants. In order for the Grizzlies to be a good shooting team, those gaps in their shooting defence will need to be fixed.
During her five years at the university level, Brea shot threes efficiently and frequently. After establishing himself as a top shooter in the A-10, he made the jump to Kentucky and kept up his impressive form against the conference’s top teams.
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