Memphis Grizzlies: 5 options for pick No. 4 in 2018 NBA Draft
By Mason McFee
The Memphis Grizzlies fell to the fourth overall pick in the 2018 NBA Draft Lottery. Here’s look at some of the top prospects they should be targeting.
The Memphis Grizzlies‘ mascot may be a bear, but last season the Grizzlies were as fearsome as Winnie the Pooh, finishing with the second-worst record in the league at 22-60.
Some of that can be attributed to resident star point guard Mike Conley only playing in 12 games, as well as Marc Gasol‘s odd feud with former head coach David Fizdale. For a team that had been in the postseason the previous seven seasons (and in 10 of the previous 15 postseasons), this past season was quite the contrast.
It wasn’t completely unexpected though, as Memphis saw longtime fan favorite Zach Randolph depart for the Sacramento Kings, along with other familiar faces like Vince Carter (Kings) and Tony Allen (New Orleans Pelicans) relocating from Beale Street as well.
The Grit-N-Grind style of basketball the Grizzlies had employed came to a screeching halt when Fizdale came to Grind City in 2016, but a whole new system was implemented this past season when J.B. Bickerstaff took over as interim head coach. After the season he was elevated to full-time head coach with a three-year deal on April 26. With the head coach position filled, the Grizzlies will now be looking to fill other holes on their roster with the fourth overall selection.
Speaking of that pick, this may be the most important pick in the history of the franchise. The Grizz have had some hits in the draft (Mike Bibby and Mike Conley), but their recent draft history has been as good as my love life. (Spoiler alert: neither is good).
The majority of their stars that have come through have come via trade: Jason Williams, both Pau and Marc Gasol (ironically for each other, but multiple players and picks were involved), and Rudy Gay.
It’s unfortunate the Grizzlies missed out on a top-two selection and a blue chip prospect by falling to No. 4, but this upcoming draft will certainly be an important part of this franchise’s history. Here’s a look at the five best prospects for Memphis at No. 4.