So who in this draft fills Memphis' biggest need?

Effigy · Post #1 » by **Effigy** » Tue Jun 16, 2009 6:04 pm

Obviously the answer to that question is Blake Griffin, but he's off the board, so after that, who fits a need?

Draft Express has you guys taking Harden. Harden? He's a 2 guard, so Mayo moves to PG and then what happens to Conley?

Draftnet has you taking Thabeet, but that seems like too slow of a combo to work. I could compare that to a less talented version of Bynum and Gasol, but I think the LA guys are actually a little more mobile than Marc and Thabeet.

I really think the best fit is still Rubio. He seems like he has the biggest 'stud' potential, though it will likely take him 2 years to get there. I know you have Conley, but that can't be factored in, if you take Harden, Conley is still out in the cold. Rubio is far more of a true point than Conley. Draft Rubio and move Conley for what you can. (Dream scenario would be Thabeet falls to 4, the TWolves make a small deal of 4 for 6 to get him, then move Love to Memphis for Conley plus some sweetener)

The only plausible reason to not take Rubio IMO is if you're sure he won't come. But that would be a shame. If he doesn't come, you should really work to move the pick, but for what, who knows?

GrizzledGrizzFan · Post #2 » by **GrizzledGrizzFan** » Tue Jun 16, 2009 6:09 pm

The Grizz need talent - period.

They either get that by drafting and keeping the guy that they feel is the most talented, even if (and it is IMO) it's Rubio, and make it work - OR - they utilize the pick by trading it for more assets/talent.

The idea that some are floating that you don't draft Rubio because he's not a perfect fit is asinine. Ask Portland if it worked out for them (drafting Bowie over Jordan).

Effigy · Post #3 » by **Effigy** » Tue Jun 16, 2009 6:42 pm

Well and you can find counter examples all the time, Atlanta should have taken Chris Paul, he was the perfect fit, but they thought Marvin was a better talent (and were wrong obviously), so they should have taken the best fit.

If you draft Rubio and keep Conley it could definately stunt Rubio's growth. I think a Conley move would HAVE to follow, but he has value so you could get something useful in return. So fit has to be considered in that aspect, draft the bst talent, then MAKE it fit, just leaving a bunch of young talented guys competing with themselves could be bad for both.

GrizzledGrizzFan · Post #4 » by **GrizzledGrizzFan** » Tue Jun 16, 2009 6:50 pm

Bonzi wrote:Well and you can find counter examples all the time, Atlanta should have taken Chris Paul, he was the perfect fit, but they thought Marvin was a better talent (and were wrong obviously), so they should have taken the best fit.

That was just a case of Atlanta being flat out wrong. There were many pundits at the time that said that Paul and Williams were both better talents.

Bonzi wrote:If you draft Rubio and keep Conley it could definately stunt Rubio's growth. I think a Conley move would HAVE to follow, but he has value so you could get something useful in return. So fit has to be considered in that aspect, draft the bst talent, then MAKE it fit, just leaving a bunch of young talented guys competing with themselves could be bad for both.

If you draft Rubio you'll end up moving Conley. Likely sooner than later. Not only would it stunt Rubio's growth (which is likely overstating the potential issue) but it could lessen Conley's value - see his play sharing PT with Lowry. Conley didn't break out until after Kyle was moved.

I never said make it "fit" - make it work. Work may well, and most likely will, mean someone is moved.

dark-child · Post #5 » by **dark-child** » Wed Jun 17, 2009 9:42 pm

The answer to your question is Blake Griffith. Unfortunately we don't have the #1 pick and the LA Clippers will not play ball.

Our fall back player is -------- (Who really knows). We are so hoping for a trade out of the #2 slot that we are going to have disappointment if we keep it and draft whomever.

Best case scenario we traded pick for a starting power forward and lottery pick, obtaining James Harden with the pick.

Worst case scenario, we can't trade pick and draft Thabeet #2, to play along side Marc Gasol and we don't address power forward position in free agency.

Downtown · Post #6 » by **Downtown** » Thu Jun 18, 2009 4:00 am

I could live with Harden as the #2 pick ( I think). As long as they are prepared to do what it takes to get one of the free agent power forwards it might work. Harden is versatile. He also seems to have a bit of a poised game. So if he can step in right away instead of being a player who will take a couple of years to develop, then him along with a proven power forward give the Grizzlies two players that can be siginficant contributors right away. Perhaps then there would be a place for Warrick as the combo forward who also has experience.

It just might work. Remember that Harden was a projected #2 pick for the better part of the season and it was only his subpar post season performance and Ricky Rubio's declaration that dropped him down.

Mumbles · Post #7 » by **Mumbles** » Sat Jun 20, 2009 5:16 pm

Bonzi wrote:

I know you have Conley, but that can't be factored in, if you take Harden, Conley is still out in the cold. Rubio is far more of a true point than Conley. Draft Rubio and move Conley for what you can. (Dream scenario would be Thabeet falls to 4, the TWolves make a small deal of 4 for 6 to get him, then move Love to Memphis for Conley plus some sweetener)

How is Rubio 'far more' of a true point than Conley Jr.? You can argue that he is simply the better player, but they have similar games imo.

ctorres · Post #8 » by **ctorres** » Sun Jun 21, 2009 8:17 am

Jordan Hill

Have the Grizzlies brought him in for a workout yet?