Memphis Grizzlies: 5 options for pick No. 32 in 2018 NBA Draft
By Mason McFee
1. Jalen Brunson
Yes, this is another article suggesting that a team should take the 2017-18 AP Player of the Year, but Jalen Brunson deserves all the attention he has been getting. He could very well be gone by the time the Grizzlies are on the clock at No. 32, but if he’s still there, this selection is a no-brainer.
The Ringer‘s NBA Draft Guide lists Memphis’ second biggest need as a “reliable backup point guard,” and I couldn’t agree more.
Memphis cycled through the following players to fill the Mike Conley-sized void in its offense this past season: Tyreke Evans, Andrew Harrison, Kobi Simmons, Mario Chalmers, Marquis Teague, Briante Weber and Myke Henry. All of those players have had their moments in the league, but with the exception of Evans, none necessarily inspired confidence as the Grizzlies’ backup point guard. That’s where Brunson would fit in.
Mike Conley will be coming off major surgery on his foot — something a point guard needs to use quite often. He is expected to come back fully healthy, but he will be 31 years old when next season starts, and it doesn’t hurt to have a more than capable backup behind your $30 million man.
Brunson may be 6’2″ in stature, but his dominant post game is like a center on a smaller defender.
Brunson’s basketball IQ is the best in the draft in my opinion, and his career 1.9 turnovers per game average backs that claim. He won’t force anything, can maintain and/or build whatever lead the team has, and could easily be inserted into the starting lineup to keep Conley’s legs fresh.
Next: 2018 NBA Mock Draft - Doncic still No. 1 in post-lottery edition
In other words, this is a match made in heaven.