Many have described the Memphis Grizzlies as a sleeping giant. After all, the Grizzlies have a bevy of future-facing assets to spend on roster improvements, and Memphis is already led by a star creator in Ja Morant and a (very) deep and talented roster of quality pieces. However, a funny thing happened in that the Grizzlies arrived early as a contender, winning 56 games in the regular season and defeating the eventual champion Golden State Warriors twice in a six-game playoff loss in the second round.
With the salary cap flexibility to make a big splash if desired and the key pieces already in place, Memphis enters a wildly intriguing offseason, and part of that calculus is the presence of two more first round picks. This time around, the Grizzlies’ selections were No. 22 and No. 29 to begin draft night, and they used those to picks to jump up three slots to No. 19 where Minnesota was picking to land their man.
The Timberwolves will land Nos. 22 and 29 in this draft, per source. https://t.co/a3G169rDdS
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) June 24, 2022
Roster Needs: A top-shelf wing, more shooting
Jake LaRavia (No. 19 Overall), C+: For the millionth straight year, the Grizzlies nab a “Draft Twitter” favorite. LaRavia came on strong this season at Wake Forest and he projects as an ultra-valuable role player. He can shoot. He can pass. He can defend. There isn’t tremendous upside necessarily, but the Grizzlies are building toward high-end contention and LaRavia could be a 16-game player.
2022 Free Agents:
Kyle Anderson (UFA)
Tyus Jones (UFA)
Jarrett Culver (UFA)
Yves Pons (RFA)
Roster:
Jaren Jackson Jr
Steven Adams
Ja Morant
Dillon Brooks
De’Anthony Melton
Ziaire Williams
Brandon Clarke
John Konchar
Desmond Bane
Santi Aldama
Killian Tillie
Xavier Tillman
Tyrell Terry (two way)
Jake LaRavia