Memphis Grizzlies: 5 options for pick No. 2 in 2019 NBA Draft

The Memphis Grizzlies won an unexpected prize, the second overall pick. Which players should the Grizzlies consider in the 2019 NBA Draft?

The Memphis Grizzlies are a team finally embracing the rebuilding of their roster after seasons of holding it at arm’s length. Marc Gasol is in Toronto, Mike Conley is on the trading block and though their collection of young assets is thin overall, that collection will get a major shot in the arm come June 20.

With a record of 33-49, the Grizzlies entered the NBA Draft Lottery with just a 26.2 percent chance of moving up into the top-four, and just a 6.0 percent chance of getting to second. The more pressing outcome would be whether they hung onto their top-8 protected draft pick or conveyed it to the Boston Celtics.

When it became clear the Los Angeles Lakers had moved up, it seemed to guarantee the Grizzlies would fall back and get their obligation over with; instead they got an even better outcome while stringing out the pick they owe.

Now the Grizzlies can evaluate the entire field of prospects (sans Zion Williamson, of course) to make their selection. ESPN’s Bobby Marks listed point guard as a position of need, a statement the Grizzlies publicly took offense with in pointing to Mike Conley. Outward bluster aside, this is a team considering a Conley trade this offseason, and drafting his replacement would ease him out of the door.

There are other options available there as well, and the Grizzlies would be wise to take their time and consider them. It’s possible they also use their pick similarly to the Atlanta Hawks last season, trading down to accumulate assets and still get a player they like. However they approach it, the key decision will be which player to take with this unexpectedly high pick. Here are five options.