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Memphis Grizzlies: 2016 Offseason Grades

By Gerald Bourguet

Mar 20, 2015; Dallas, TX, USA; Dallas Mavericks forward Chandler Parsons (25) drives to the basket past Memphis Grizzlies guard Mike Conley (11) during the first quarter at the American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 20, 2015; Dallas, TX, USA; Dallas Mavericks forward Chandler Parsons (25) drives to the basket past Memphis Grizzlies guard Mike Conley (11) during the first quarter at the American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports /
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Memphis Grizzlies
Jun 23, 2016; New York, NY, USA; Wade Baldwin IV (Vanderbilt) reacts after being selected as the number seventeen overall pick to the Memphis Grizzlies in the first round of the 2016 NBA Draft at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports /

Draft Pick No. 1

Originally meant to be insurance for free agent Mike Conley at the point guard position, Wade Baldwin IV will now provide the Grizzlies with an up-and-coming prospect in the backup role. With the Grizz virtually devoid of a Mike Conley understudy, Baldwin should be in a good position to earn meaningful playing time off the bench in his rookie season.

Coming off his sophomore season at Vanderbilt, Baldwin has the size to dominate the guard position, with a 6’4″ frame and a massive 6’11” wingspan. He’s athletic, strong and averaged a well-rounded 14.1 points, 5.2 assists, 4.0 rebounds and 1.2 steals per game on 40.6 percent shooting from three-point territory last year.

His decision-making as a floor general was a bit questionable at times, but Baldwin will be able to learn from one of the game’s more fundamentally sound point guards in Mike Conley. This may also settle any concerns about his leadership qualities, since he won’t be expected to fill anyone’s shoes as a rookie.

At NBA Summer League, Baldwin put up 10.8 points, 4.8 rebounds, 2.5 assists and 1.5 steals per game, but shot a dismal 28.6 percent from the floor and missed all seven of his three-pointers.

However, getting one of the better point guards of this year’s draft class at No. 17 was great value, even with Conley deciding to stay. The Grizzlies now have a young point guard to groom off the bench, and who better to do it than a stable two-way veteran like Conley?

Grade: A-

Next: Draft Pick No. 2

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