The Memphis Grizzlies are frantically trying to catch up to first-round draft picks in the days leading up to the NBA draft.
When the Memphis Grizzlies were in the same boat as Desmond Bane in 2020—an offseason without a first-round draft choice—they moved into the final first-round pick to get him.
Well, the Grizzlies sold Marcus Smart for a first-round pick in February, so they didn’t have a first-round pick to work with this offseason.
The Grizzlies will be getting their sixteenth pick in the upcoming draft later this week, along with four first-round selections, in exchange for Desmond Bane.
Because the team only had a week to consider potential targets after the deal, they had to plan late workouts to see if the draft targets were within their budget if they wanted to retain the selection.
The fans want the team to trade up for more veterans so they can compete, while general manager Zach Kleiman is all about bringing in exciting new players.
Based on their current draft position, the Grizzlies should explore the following targets: One or more players at positions where they have a need for depth:
1. Cedric Coward, SF, Washington State
He feels like the favorite to land in Memphis after being listed as their selection on ESPN’s mock draft, among others.
He followed a similar path to Grizzlies’ Rookie of the Year finalist Jaylen Wells after beginning his collegiate career in Division III before finishing at Washington State last season (Wells began his career in Division II).
Following a season marred by injuries, 6’6″ Coward, who has a 7’2″ wingspan, recently rehearsed with the Grizzlies. Last year, he averaged 17.7 points and 7.0 rebounds.
The squad needs a small forward, and he has the defensive potential and shooting ability (38% career three-point percentage) to fill that role.
2. Nique Clifford, SG/SF, Colorado State
Memphis Tigers fans are familiar with Nique Clifford after he led his Colorado State team to an upset over them in the first round of the NCAA tournament back in March.
He led the Rams in scoring (18.9), rebounding (9.6), assists (4.4), and steals (1.2) per game in his senior year last season.
He is a jack of all trades type of player, listed at 6’6″, who could play any position between the 1 – 3 as a point forward type of player.
An underrated skill set the Grizzlies need at the small forward position is an additional ball handler and rebounder, and he checks off both boxes. He also shot over 37% from three in his last two seasons after transferring from Colorado.
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