Memphis Grizzlies: Previewing the 2020 offseason

Memphis’ draft situation

For just the second time in a decade, the Memphis Grizzlies are left without a first-round pick. This marks the first time since the since 2007 that one of the top two teams to pick in one draft didn’t have a first round pick in the following year’s draft; with the last team to do so being the Toronto Raptors.

But this begs the question, do the Grizzlies need a first-round pick? With the 10th overall selection in the second round of the draft, it’s likely that any move to give an earlier pick would cost the team at least one of the core members of last year’s run.

With a free agent pool full of rotational veterans who could not only help to provide work off of the bench, but also give some mentorship to an incredibly young Memphis locker room, holding off on moving any assets and simply riding this draft out with a shortage of picks might be the smarter option this year.

Let’s also mention that, compared to other years, this draft pool doesn’t look as deep. If Memphis were to make a trade, there’s a good chance that they give up a proven commodity like Tyus Jones or Dillon Brooks for someone who could burn out in a fast-paced Grizzlies offense, and need to be traded themselves. It’s too big of a risk for a young team just getting their chemistry right, and the Grizzlies may very well be smarter just sitting this draft out.