The 2021 NBA Draft will take place on July 29. With the draft coming up, The Game Haus will be doing draft profiles for each NBA team. NBA squads will be analyzed, team needs will be addressed and potential targets will be discussed.
Today, the Memphis Grizzlies’ 2021 NBA Draft Profile will be presented.
The Memphis Grizzlies finished 38-34, which was good for ninth in the west. Memphis earned the eighth seed in the playoffs by winning back-to-back games in the NBA’s Play-In games. The Grizzlies lost to the one-seeded Utah Jazz in only five games. However, there were some bright spots for Memphis in the short series. Dillon Brooks shined with 31 points in their only win against the Jazz. Also, Ja Morant had a playoff debut to remember averaging 30.2 points per game versus the Jazz. Morant also had one of the best playoff performances this year with 47 points in game two against the Jazz.
Memphis had a pretty successful season when considering their roster’s young age. The Grizzlies simply need time to become an eventual contender. Their starting power forward Jaren Jackson must get healthy, and other players like Morant, Grayson Allen, Brandon Clarke and Desmond Bane can develop further. In only a few years, Memphis has built a very solid roster with a lot of talent. The Grizzlies will look to add a couple of more pieces in the draft to solidify their roster’s depth.
The Memphis Grizzlies have two selections in the 2021 NBA Draft.
First Round: Pick No. 17
Second Round: Pick No. 51
Three-Point Shooting- The Grizzlies shot 35.6% from three as a team in the 2020-21 season. This mark was 20th in the league and third-worst among playoff teams. Of course, three-point shooting is almost always vital for success in today’s NBA. The development of players like Morant and Jackson can certainly improve Memphis’ shooting, but adding a three-point specialist could be ideal.
The idea of several sharp shooters on the perimeter around Morant would be challenging for opposing teams. Morant is of course one of the more athletic guards in the league with an elite driving ability. If Morant is given reliable shooters to kick it out to, the Grizzlies offense will become a lot better.
Playmaking Guard- As mentioned, Memphis already has a solid roster. In a couple of seasons down the line, Memphis could be one of the top teams in the west. The Grizzlies’ roster is balanced all around with young talent. One of the few holes that can be found is another playmaking guard to go alongside Morant. Overall, Memphis does not have a lot of shot creators on their roster. Adding another shot creator at guard to come off the bench, or even eventually start at shooting guard, could be helpful. This could eventually alleviate Morant of some minutes and allow him to play off the ball at times.
Round 1, Pick 17: Usman Garuba, PF/C (Real Madrid)
Usman Garuba (Photo via EuroHoops.net)
The Grizzlies’ best possible strategy in the first round could be to take the best available. Usman Garuba is one of the best defensive prospects in the entire draft. He is only 18-years-old and has already played some professional basketball for Real Madrid in Spain. Garuba stands at 6-foot-8 with an eye-popping 7-foot-3 wingspan. The international prospect projects as a center or power forward.
Garuba has a great motor and would bring great energy to the Grizzlies. In addition, Garuba is probably the best shot blocker in the draft after Evan Mobley. He could have the best defensive versatility in the draft since he could guard positions three through five. Garuba’s offense needs a lot of work, but he still possesses the talent to eventually become a solid offensive player. Overall, Garuba is a raw prospect, but has an elite defensive potential that could be great for Memphis in the long run.
Round 2, Pick 51: Johnny Juzang, SG/SF (UCLA)
Johnny Juzang (Photo via SI.com)
If Memphis decided to go with the best available prospect in the first, they should address a need in the second round. The Grizzlies glaring weaknesses are a lack of shot creators behind Morant and three-point shooting. Johnny Juzang could address both of these needs and projects anywhere from mid to late second round. Juzang had a memorable March Madness showing for UCLA where he utterly dominated on the offensive end. Juzang is roughly 6-foot-7 and projects as a small forward or shooting guard. The former UCLA Bruin would be instant offense off the bench. Juzang can score at all three levels and can catch fire quick. He still has to make a decision whether to remain in the NBA Draft, but if Juzang stays in the draft he would be a nice fit in Memphis.
All stats courtesy of Basketball-Reference and ESPN.
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