Memphis Grizzlies Draft Review

Current Roster
PG: Mike Conley/Wade Baldwin
SG: Andrew Harrison/Troy Daniels
SF: Chandler Parsons/James Ennis/Dillon Brooks
PF: Deyonta Davis/Jarell Martin
C: Marc Gasol/Brandan Wright/Ivan Rabb

2017 Free Agents
Unrestricted
G Tony Allen
G Vince Carter
C Zach Randolph

Restricted
F JaMychal Green
G Wayne Selden

Who They Drafted
2-35 Ivan Rabb, C California
2-45 Dillon Brooks, SF Oregon
The Grizzlies didn't have a pick going into the night, but acquired two in the second round to draft a pair of Pac-12 players. Their first pick, Ivan Rabb, was considered a potential first round pick last season but dropped after not taking the leap many expected. Rabb is sort of a 4.5 in the modern NBA, not skilled enough to play power forward but not quite center sized. He is a fundamentally solid player, good on the glass and instinctual defending in the paint, though his lack of vertical explosiveness will likely limit an immense upside there. Offensively, Rabb is a good post scorer with footwork and touch, though he probably isn't strong enough be a real force on the block, though he'd likely be able to makes smaller players pay if they are switched onto him. At times, Rabb has shown touch from the outside but nothing at the level of a consistent weapon yet, however if his jumpshot does turn into something, it could really go a long way towards helping him stick in the NBA. Defensively, again Rabb is stuck between positions, better in the paint but not super strong or explosive at the rim, while also not being quite quick enough to defend forwards on the perimeter. One thing of note regarding Rabb: the scheme and situation he played under at Cal was not optimal for showcasing and developing his talents and their could be more to him than meets the eye, though the physical limitations will always be there. The Grizzlies have a lot of bigs already, so Rabb will likely spend most of his time in the G-League.
Though there isn't an obvious playing time need on the wing either, the Grizzlies second pick, Dillon Brooks, is more ready to contribute, at least as a shooter. Brooks has been one of the best player in college basketball mainly because of his ability to get to the rim and shoot from three point range. Brooks is a highly competitive tough player (with a history of clutch shot-making) and though his physical tools are decidedly average, Brooks is still able to get to the rim or score in the mid-range in iso situations. Though he might not be a go-to iso scorer in the NBA, that experience will serve him well when opponents close-out too aggressively on his jumpshot, which will likely be his main role offensively, with little bits of the iso mixed in. Defensively, Brooks is limited by a short wingspan and so-so athletic ability, but he can be effective defending in one-on-one situations, when he puts his mind to it, something hopefully he will be able to do more of as a role player. There isn't a ton of room for growth in his game, but Brooks has enough skill offensively that he should have a chance to contribute in a bench role.

What They Need Going Forward
Once they bring back Zach Randolph, JaMychal Green, and Tony Allen, the Grizzlies won't have to cap or roster space to do much. One area they could improve on cheaply perhaps, is a veteran backup point guard, as all their backups now are unproven and Mike Conley has an injury history.

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