The Memphis Grizzlies waited patiently for their star point guard, Ja Morant, to return from a league-mandated 25-game suspension. The Grizzlies went 6-19 without Morant, but 6-3 upon his return. However, the NBA world was shaken up once again after Morant received news that a torn labrum would end his season. The future of the Grizzlies’ season is immediately in question, and fans are already looking towards next year.
This future-minded focus naturally leads to the NBA draft, and specifically, draft prospects. Some would argue that it’s in the Grizzlies’ best interest to lose games and receive a higher draft pick. Most weren’t expecting a championship run this season anyway, and now the Grizzlies could be in a better draft position for the future. If all works out, Morant could possibly have another potential star teammate the next time he steps on the court.
The Grizzlies currently sit at 13-23, the sixth-worst record in the league. Most will assume they may continue to slide and should be in line for a top-10 pick. Depending on the lottery, they may even receive a top-five pick. Currently, the Grizzlies roster has a glaring need on the wing, specifically at small forward.
Let’s take a look at who Grizzlies fans should be keeping their eye on in the 2024 NBA Draft class!
NBA Draft Prospects The Grizzlies Should Target
1) Ron Holland: G-League Ignite
Once in consideration for the number one pick, many aren’t as confident as before in Ron Holland’s stock being that high. Holland has great burst and athleticism combined with good size that gives him very appealing physical tools. He’s a six-foot-eight wing who has shown he can impact the game on both ends with his energy and physicality. His perimeter shooting and turnover issues still leave a lot to be desired, but he’s shown flashes at times.
The Grizzlies would hope their trio of guards in Morant, Desmond Bane, and Marcus Smart provide Holland with plenty of time to improve his overall game.
2) Zaccharie Risacher: JL Bourg (France)
Zaccharie Risacher isn’t a finished product, but he’s a six-foot-nine wing with a ton of upside. Risacher has good athleticism and fluidity on the wing and is shooting above 40 percent from three. He’s flashed some playmaking ability to go along with this dynamic shooting as well that’s really exciting scouts. He most likely won’t ever lead the team in scoring, but as a Grizzlies prospect, his mold would provide plenty to work with.
3) Matas Buzelis: G-League Ignite
Our second Ignite prospect on the list, Matas Buzelis hopes to easily fit the floor spacing wing archetype that’s often coveted. As a mobile six-foot-ten wing, Buzelis could play in a variety of lineups at both wing spots. As a Grizzlies prospect, the aggressiveness and shot-creation need to pick up, however, as Buzelis is too timid sometimes. Buzelis has the upside though that’s severely lacking in this class, possibly making him a great calculated risk.
4) Ja’Kobe Walter: Baylor
Ja’Kobe Walter is an easy sale to NBA teams and could be one of the safer perceived Grizzlies’ prospects. Standing at six-foot-five with a plus wingspan, Walter’s profile is an easy projection. He’s an elite three-point shooter that’s at 40.0% on 5.7 attempts per game. He can also compete defensively with the other team’s best guy. He may not have the upside or shot-creation teams covet at the top of the lottery, but his floor is so good that it may not matter.
5) Cody Williams: Colorado
The younger brother of Thunder star Jalen Williams, Cody Williams got off to a strong start on the season. He’s shot up draft boards in return. Currently sidelined with a wrist injury, he’s done it all for the Buffaloes averaging 14.0 points per game. Williams isn’t a finished product and would be one of those high-upside picks as a Grizzlies prospect. And while a lot can be made regarding Williams’ upside, he’s still a good player as it stands currently. Williams has shown he may be the do-it-all player on both ends as a six-foot-eight, slender wing.
Grizzlies fans may be reminded of Zaire Williams given the similarities in frame and archetype. With Williams’ pedigree, they will hope his development proves much more fruitful, however.
6) Ryan Dunn: Virginia
If the Grizzlies receive a pick inside the top 10, some may argue this is too high for Ryan Dunn. Dunn is an uber-athletic wing who has game-altering ability on defense. His main issue however lies within the fact that he hasn’t given teams much to believe in on offense. As a Grizzlies prospect though, they could fall in love with the grit and defensive intensity Dunn would bring. While many were happy to see Dillon Brooks leave, his defensive presence on the wing is sorely missed.
