2024 NBA Mock Draft 2.0: Hawks play it safe, Wizards go big, Spurs fill two needs
By Cal Durrett
9) Memphis Grizzlies-Rob Dillingham
With some of the best shooters in the draft off the board as well as the two best centers, the Memphis Grizzlies may go for Rob Dillingham at nine. Dillingham is generally seen as one of the best offensive players in the draft, though he is only 6'1 and 165 pounds. Players that short often don't go into the top 10, let alone go on to be anything more than an off-the-bench spark.
Kentucky's Rob Dillingham - our No. 3 ranked prospect - polarizes NBA scouts, but it's hard to argue with the star power he offers in a draft lacking in that category. His shiftiness, creativity, shot-making and scoring instincts are all-star caliber, projecting long-term. pic.twitter.com/4kNt3soh4e
— Jonathan Givony (@DraftExpress) March 5, 2024
Dillingham may be that in the NBA but towards the higher end of that player archetype. In theory, assuming they can find a good starting center, they could have Dillingham spend time playing with Ja Morant in the hopes of blowing the doors off of opposing teams. Or they play him with Marcus Smart and have him hide on the other team's worst offensive player on defense.
Given Memphis' shooting struggles and their potential need to move on from Luke Kennard for luxury tax reasons, drafting Dillingham makes sense. After all, he shot 44% from three and can penetrate and finish with either hand in the paint. His question marks are concerning but at nine, there aren't any perfect prospects left.