Memphis Grizzlies: Ranking the last 10 first-round NBA draft picks

The last two picks have been studs, but how do they stack against the other recent first-round NBA draft picks in Memphis Grizzlies history?

Finding contributors and stars in the NBA Draft is the bedrock for any NBA franchise. In recent years, the Memphis Grizzlies have excelled in drafting key prospects to fortify the franchise for future playoff runs.

Memphis’ last two first-round picks: Ja Morant and Jaren Jackson Jr. Any team in the league would be thrilled with that haul in the last two years. The Grizzlies certainly are and they’re knocking on the door of the postseason largely on the backs of their two young stars.

Unbelievably, those are the only two players on Memphis’ active roster that were technically selected by the Grizzlies in the NBA Draft. Sure, some came over to the team without ever playing a game elsewhere (looking at you, Brandon Clarke), but the team’s very recent track record in the draft is better than it was for the previous decade or so.

With Memphis closing in on becoming a perennial Western Conference contender, now is a great time to rank their 10 most recent first-round draft selections. For the sake of convenience, Dominique Jones (No. 25 in the 2010 NBA Draft) will not be included, since he was dealt to the Dallas Mavericks on draft night. That will also allow the two first-round picks from the 2009 NBA Draft to round out the list without needing to split that year’s haul.

Otherwise, every first-round pick is on the table. Here’s the definitive ranking of the Grizzlies’ last 10 first-rounders.