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Complete 2017 NBA Draft grades for all 30 teams

By Gerald Bourguet

Jun 22, 2017; Brooklyn, NY, USA; General view of the stage before the 2017 NBA Draft at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 22, 2017; Brooklyn, NY, USA; General view of the stage before the 2017 NBA Draft at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports /
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2017 NBA Draft
Feb 11, 2017; Tucson, AZ, USA; California Golden Bears forward Ivan Rabb (1) grabs the ball over Arizona Wildcats forward Keanu Pinder (25) during the first half at McKale Center. Mandatory Credit: Casey Sapio-USA TODAY Sports /

Memphis Grizzlies

Ivan Rabb (No. 35), Dillon Brooks (No. 45)

Like the Clippers, the Memphis Grizzlies entered the 2017 NBA Draft with zero picks and emerged with two. Unlike the Clippers, both picks were not met with critical acclaim.

In a trade with Orlando that sent a measly 2019 second-rounder to the Magic, the Grizz moved into the draft to take California’s Ivan Rabb at No. 35. He’s a bit of a project big, but with Zach Randolph being a free agent this summer, he’s worth a shot.

The Grizz got back in on the action at No. 45, jumping in at Houston’s spot to take Oregon’s Dillon Brooks, a fiery competitor and improved three-point shooter who used his strength and killer instinct to take over against inferior opponents in college.

He’s a living embodiment of the Grit-N-Grind mentality, making him a great potential fit if he can hold his own defensively. All it cost to move back into the draft for this accomplished NCAA product was a 2018 second-rounder.

If not for a 2013 trade with the Cavs to acquire Jon Leuer, the Grizzlies would’ve owned the 20th overall pick (Harry Giles). Missing out on that kind of upside hurts, especially since Leuer only contributed 4.7 points and 3.0 rebounds in 11.9 minutes per game during his three seasons with the Grizz, but such is life sometimes.

Grade: C-