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Memphis Grizzlies: 5 biggest errors by GM Chris Wallace

By Jake Peterson

MEMPHIS, TN - SEPTEMBER 17: Chris Wallace, General Manager of the Memphis Grizzlies, helps introduce new players during a press conference on September 17, 2018 at FedExForum in Memphis, Tennessee. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Joe Murphy/NBAE via Getty Images)
MEMPHIS, TN - SEPTEMBER 17: Chris Wallace, General Manager of the Memphis Grizzlies, helps introduce new players during a press conference on September 17, 2018 at FedExForum in Memphis, Tennessee. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Joe Murphy/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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(Photo by Joe Murphy/NBAE via Getty Images)
(Photo by Joe Murphy/NBAE via Getty Images) /

4. Trading a first-rounder for 98 games of Jeff Green

This one hits hard for Grizzlies fans because the consequences are still hanging over everyone’s heads. Jeff Green arrived to Memphis in 2015 as part of a three-team deal with the Boston Celtics and the New Orleans Pelicans.

The Grizzlies shipped out a first-rounder, Tayshaun Prince and Quincy Pondexter for Jeff Green, Russ Smith and a 2015 second-rounder. Russ Smith was out of the league shortly after and Jeff Green spent limited time in Memphis.

Right now, that crucial first-rounder is top-8 protected for this upcoming draft, but will go to top-6 protected next season before finally being unprotected in 2021. The Grizzlies are swiftly moving to rebuild mode, and first round picks are absolutely crucial.

Right now, it looks like the Grizzlies won’t be conveying the pick as they fall deeper and deeper to the bottom of the standings, but then the process repeats itself next year. The team is likely to be at the bottom of the Western Conference for a few years, and losing a potential lottery pick next year or the year after will sting.

Green wasn’t terrible in his time with Memphis. He was largely a net neutral during his time on the court and gave the Grizz an extra 3-point shooter. But despite being such a physical specimen, Green couldn’t (and has never) put it together.

Defensive lapses, high usage and then disappearing in the playoffs makes giving up a first-rounder for the former Hoya even more gut-wrenching.

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