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

By Josh Cornelissen

HARTFORD, CT - MARCH 23: Murray State Racers guard Ja Morant (12) during the NCAA Division I Men's Championship second round college basketball game between the Florida State Seminoles and the Murray State Racers on March 23, 2019 at XL Center in Hartford, CT. (Photo by John Jones/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
HARTFORD, CT - MARCH 23: Murray State Racers guard Ja Morant (12) during the NCAA Division I Men's Championship second round college basketball game between the Florida State Seminoles and the Murray State Racers on March 23, 2019 at XL Center in Hartford, CT. (Photo by John Jones/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /
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5. Brandon Clarke

Followers of NBA Draft content — mock drafts, big boards, etc. — will likely balk at Brandon Clarke even being considered this high. That’s a fair reaction, as Clarke tends to be mentioned in the back half of the lottery despite his following among draft experts.

Yet the reality is that Clarke is an elite defensive player, with all the tools of a modern defensive big man. He has great speed and agility, able to protect the rim and move on the perimeter. His help instincts are excellent, and he can swat shots on the ball or coming from the weak-side. His block and steal numbers are elite, and no player generates as many defensive events as Clarke.

The only young big with the same defensive upside in the league right now is already on Memphis, Jaren Jackson Jr. Together the pair would be nearly unstoppable, covering huge swaths of ground and completely sealing off the paint for opposing players. That combination would be special.

Offensively, Jackson would help cover up for Clarke’s deficiencies, as the former Gonzaga big has some holes in his game. His athleticism and instincts serve him well as a roller and on the offensive glass, but his shot is an open question. If he can develop a consistent jump shot, he may be worth the second overall pick, and even if he doesn’t, Jackson is a big who can space out to the 3-point line. The pairing is almost irresistible.

If the Grizzlies are in love with Clarke they could trade back a few spots and pick up another asset, a la the Atlanta Hawks last season. The Phoenix Suns and Chicago Bulls will likely both be bidding to get up to the second pick and select point guard Ja Morant. It’s unlikely the Grizzlies reach for Clarke, but it would certainly be exciting.

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