Memphis Grizzlies: Complete 2017 offseason grades
Drafting Ivan Rabb
The Memphis Grizzlies entered the 2017 NBA Draft without a single draft pick, and still managed to come out victorious in epic fashion.
General manager Chris Wallace traded into the second round of the draft, by sending the Brooklyn Nets‘ 2019 second round pick to the Orlando Magic, in exchange for their 35th pick. The team then selected Ivan Rabb, a 6’10” power forward out of California who never found a way to live up to the hype surrounding him at Berkeley.
Rabb, a McDonald’s All-American who was once considered to be a surefire lottery pick, opted to return to school for his sophomore year after putting together a solid freshman campaign, posting 14 points and 10.5 rebounds per game for the Golden Bears in 31 games.
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However, the 20-year-old who showed nothing but promise throughout his freshman season did not take the leap that scouts expected when he went back to Cal, causing more harm to his draft stock than helping it.
Despite earning first team All-Pac-12 honors last season, Rabb did not dominate teams in college by any means. However, there are still plenty of things to like about him.
Rabb is an exceptional rebounder who does a terrific job of boxing out his man inside when shots are hoisted up. He is also a mobile big man who can move around and run the floor on offense.
He will not have an impact on the offensive end just yet, as he is still raw and must add strength. Although Rabb could possibly make an impact for the Grizzlies defensively.
Rabb has a 7’2” wingspan, and shown the ability to switch onto guards and defend opposing players down low on the post, making him a fitting selection in the second round, as Rabb fills a team need.
Grade: B-