The Memphis Grizzlies have the No. 25 pick in the NBA Draft, and there has been a lot of clutter to sort through as to their plans with the pick. Here are three rumors you need to know:
1) Justin Anderson Top Target?
Virginia small forward Justin Anderson turned heads last season with his stellar play on both ends of the floor, and the Grizzlies took notice. Memphis is bringing him in for a private workout tomorrow - just one day before the draft - to get one last look at him. Having a workout this close to the draft isn't commonplace in the NBA, but it does signal Memphis being extremely interested in him.
2) Memphis Also Considering Rondae Hollis-Jefferson?
Sticking with the Grizzlies' defense-first mantra, they're also heavily considering Arizona forward Rondae Hollis-Jefferson.
Via Grizzly Bear Blues:
At 6'7" Hollis-Jefferson is the prototypical height for a wing in the NBA, but if the Grizzlies draft him I think some of his time would be better served if he played at the four next to Marc Gasol. He has the ability to mesh on defense because he is so good against bigger offensive players. Then on offense Coach Dave Joerger could break out the old baseline alley-oop package we haven't seen in so long or use him as a roll man.
Of course he is going to need some developing, but most draft picks aren't meant for now. Hollis-Jefferson is a guy who would be seeing a lot of time in Iowa developing his offensive game. Jordan Adams and Rondae Hollis-Jefferson would be a devastating two-way combination if both developed like the Grizzlies want them to.
3) Marc Gasol's Future To Affect Memphis' Draft?
Grizzlies center Marc Gasol is set to be one of the most sought-after free agents on the open market this offseason, and while Memphis is expected to keep that, USA Today explains how that may affect their draft plans:
Not knowing what All-Star center Marc Gasol will do as a free agent leaves theMemphis Grizzlies facing a variety of options of what they could do in the NBA Draft.
Their ongoing search for a long-range shooter continues and now they might be in the market for their first center in years with Gasol determined to explore free agency and backup Kosta Koufos also hitting the market July 1.
Memphis holds the No. 25 pick Thursday night, having swapped the second-round pick to New Orleans in January as part of a three-team trade that brought forward Jeff Green from Boston. Green picked up his option for next season.
General manager Chris Wallace says anything can happen past the 20th pick.
Follow our Memphis Grizzlies team page for all the latest Grizzlies news and rumors!
Back to the Memphis Grizzlies Newsfeed