The Grizzlies’ draft decision has been one of the biggest storylines surrounding the franchise after the team landed the Number three overall pick. While many fan bases spend months debating dozens of potential prospects, Memphis found itself in a much simpler situation. As the predraft process wraps up, there are clear separators for top positioning. The Grizzlies’ draft decision will be simple at number three as AJ Dybantsa, Darryn Peterson, and Cameron Boozer remain as the draft’s top prospects.
Peterson and Dybantsa have increasingly separated themselves from the rest of the class, leaving the Grizzlies in a favorable position. If both players remain the consensus top two prospects, the Grizzlies’ draft decision could ultimately be made for them before they ever step to the podium.
The Grizzlies’ Draft Decision Will Be an Easy Choice at No. 3
The Top Tier Has Been Clear from the Jump
For much of the early scouting cycle, there was considerable debate regarding who deserved to be considered the best player in this class. However, as evaluations have continued, Peterson and Dybantsa have consistently strengthened their cases as the two premier prospects available.
Peterson possesses many of the qualities NBA teams prioritize in modern lead guards. His combination of scoring ability, shot creation, size, and playmaking gives him franchise-player potential. Dybantsa offers a different but equally intriguing profile. His blend of size, athleticism, and scoring versatility has made him one of the most coveted prospects in recent memory.
Because both prospects fit traditional franchise cornerstone molds, it would be surprising to see them fall outside the first two selections. However, Boozer offers enough intrigue to make the Utah Jazz rethink their selection with the number two pick. That reality makes the Grizzlies’ draft decision straightforward.
Memphis can select whichever elite prospect remains available after the first two picks are made. For a team looking to accelerate its rebuild, that scenario is difficult to complain about.
Developments ahead of the June 23-24 NBA draft: BYU’s AJ Dybantsa has conducted formal visits with both the Washington Wizards (No. 1) and Utah Jazz (No. 2) while Kansas’ Darryn Peterson only visited the Wizards and does not plan to grant anyone else a meeting, sources tell me…
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) June 15, 2026
The Grizzlies’ Choice May Already Be Made
When fans found out the Grizzlies had the number three pick, the debate instantly became choosing between Boozer and Caleb Wilson. However, as the predraft process played out, it became clear that Boozer was closer to discussions with Peterson and Dybantsa than with Wilson.
The talented forward has assembled one of the most impressive resumes in recent memory and continues to generate significant buzz among scouts. His combination of production, basketball IQ, versatility, and winning pedigree makes him an appealing option for any franchise selecting near the top of the draft. That’s what makes the Grizzlies’ draft decision easier.
Modern NBA teams consistently prioritize elite shot creators and dynamic perimeter players because of their impact on postseason success. Peterson and Dybantsa both project as players capable of becoming primary offensive engines, and such prospects are difficult to acquire outside the top of the draft.
So, if either the Jazz or the Washington Wizards (number one pick) decides to shake things up with selecting Boozer, or even Wilson, then Memphis will gladly take either Peterson or Dybantsa. However, being able to select someone with Boozer’s pedigree is a very nice consolation and a building block for the team’s future success.
Moving up from their original number-six position to select one of the top three in a draft with three top-tier prospects is a great luxury. The Memphis Grizzlies may have even lucked up with being able to sit and select whoever remains after the first two selections. No matter who is there for the taking at number three, the Grizzlies’ draft decision will be an easy choice.
David Banks, Imagn Images via Reuters Connect
