Best/Worst Draft Scenarios
(#25 pick)
Best Case Scenario: Drafting PF Montrezl Harrell (Louisville, Junior)
At a glance, wing might appear to be the more pressing need. However, all of Memphis’ shooting guards and small forwards are still under contract, and the mid-season acquisition of SF Jeff Green did a lot to ease the pain of the lack of shooters on the wing. On the other hand, the Grizzlies’ three best big men (superstar C Marc Gasol, star PF Zach Randolph, and PF/C Kosta Koufos) all hit free agency, and that’s not even to mention Gasol and Randolph’s ages (30 and 33, respectively). There’s no major need really, but adding a youthful big man is certainly a want, and that’s where Harrell comes in. Though undersized (6’8”), the power forward makes up for his small frame with his high motor in all facets of his game. His energy and athleticism helped him average 15.7 points per game, but his developing jump-shot is still inconsistent, making his somewhat of a wild-card in terms of what he can be offensively. There’s no doubt about his defensive or rebounding abilities, however, as he excels in both those departments -- again, due to his motor. He’s also a poor free throw shooter at just 60%, in addition to not having too much potential in the long run. His small frame can only overshadow his energy and skillset so much, and he’s bound to play a key role for the Grizzlies in both the short and long-term.
Worst Case Scenario: Harrell is gone; Memphis doesn’t get their choice of wing players
If Harrell is gone, Memphis should pass on a big man. The only other viable option is PF/C Christian Wood, who could have high potential long-term, but can produce little to nothing immediately. Given the Grizzlies’ contender status, they’re going to look for instant contributors. With their next biggest need being wing shooting, they’ll probably look towards the plethora of wings at this point in the draft: SG R.J. Hunter, SG Rashad Vaughn, SF Justin Anderson, and SF Rondae-Hollis Jefferson. Thankfully for them, they’re right in position to nab one of these guys when there will only be one or two of them left on the board. However, it would be optimal for them to get the best fit, and that would be Anderson: a perfect complimentary “3 and D” player that can play well with Memphis’ stars. However, odds are he’s gone by then and the Grizzlies could be forced to select a long-term project that can’t contribute right away (like Vaughn) -- a worst case scenario.
(#25 pick)
Best Case Scenario: Drafting PF Montrezl Harrell (Louisville, Junior)
At a glance, wing might appear to be the more pressing need. However, all of Memphis’ shooting guards and small forwards are still under contract, and the mid-season acquisition of SF Jeff Green did a lot to ease the pain of the lack of shooters on the wing. On the other hand, the Grizzlies’ three best big men (superstar C Marc Gasol, star PF Zach Randolph, and PF/C Kosta Koufos) all hit free agency, and that’s not even to mention Gasol and Randolph’s ages (30 and 33, respectively). There’s no major need really, but adding a youthful big man is certainly a want, and that’s where Harrell comes in. Though undersized (6’8”), the power forward makes up for his small frame with his high motor in all facets of his game. His energy and athleticism helped him average 15.7 points per game, but his developing jump-shot is still inconsistent, making his somewhat of a wild-card in terms of what he can be offensively. There’s no doubt about his defensive or rebounding abilities, however, as he excels in both those departments -- again, due to his motor. He’s also a poor free throw shooter at just 60%, in addition to not having too much potential in the long run. His small frame can only overshadow his energy and skillset so much, and he’s bound to play a key role for the Grizzlies in both the short and long-term.
Worst Case Scenario: Harrell is gone; Memphis doesn’t get their choice of wing players
If Harrell is gone, Memphis should pass on a big man. The only other viable option is PF/C Christian Wood, who could have high potential long-term, but can produce little to nothing immediately. Given the Grizzlies’ contender status, they’re going to look for instant contributors. With their next biggest need being wing shooting, they’ll probably look towards the plethora of wings at this point in the draft: SG R.J. Hunter, SG Rashad Vaughn, SF Justin Anderson, and SF Rondae-Hollis Jefferson. Thankfully for them, they’re right in position to nab one of these guys when there will only be one or two of them left on the board. However, it would be optimal for them to get the best fit, and that would be Anderson: a perfect complimentary “3 and D” player that can play well with Memphis’ stars. However, odds are he’s gone by then and the Grizzlies could be forced to select a long-term project that can’t contribute right away (like Vaughn) -- a worst case scenario.