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Memphis Grizzlies: 2017 NBA Draft grades

By Brian Sampson

Mar 31, 2017; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Oregon Ducks forward Dillon Brooks (24) takes the court during practice for the 2017 Final Four at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Deutsch-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 31, 2017; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Oregon Ducks forward Dillon Brooks (24) takes the court during practice for the 2017 Final Four at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Deutsch-USA TODAY Sports /
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March 18, 2016; Spokane , WA, USA; California Golden Bears forward Ivan Rabb (1) attempts a shot against the Hawaii Rainbow Warriors during the first half of the first round of the 2016 NCAA Tournament at Spokane Veterans Memorial Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
March 18, 2016; Spokane , WA, USA; California Golden Bears forward Ivan Rabb (1) attempts a shot against the Hawaii Rainbow Warriors during the first half of the first round of the 2016 NCAA Tournament at Spokane Veterans Memorial Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports /

Final grade

These moves were nothing flashy that will be on any lists of who won the draft. But they won’t be on any lists of teams who lost the draft either. To describe it in a simple way, the moves were basic.

The Grizzlies acquired one player, Rabb, who is still very raw and has really good upside for someone at the 35th spot in the draft. If Rabb can get in the gym and redefine his offensive game while refining his defense, he could be a steal for the Grizzlies.

Some people might point to a downfall being that Memphis had to give up their second round pick owed to them by Brooklyn in 2019. However, we don’t know how good or bad the Nets will be in two years and this was a really deep draft class. To me, it’s worth giving up the unknown for the chance at a player Memphis obviously likes.

As for Brooks, there are plenty of question marks about his athleticism and if he will be able to have the same success attacking the rim in the NBA as he did in college. Because of this, he must continue to improve his outside shooting to have any real impact in the NBA.

He has already taken a huge step by jumping up from 33.8 percent his sophomore season to 40.1 percent last year. If he can continue to make that jump he will be an effective outside shooter in this league.

Next: 2017 NBA Draft grades for all 30 teams

At the end of the day, Memphis acquired two complementary players that have the potential to fit nicely with the team down the road. We’ll count this as a success.

Final Grade: B

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