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Grizzlies GM Chris Wallace admits that the player the team takes with the 25th overall pick probably won’t be a factor for Memphis next season, as Ronald Tillery of The Commercial Appeal relays in a subscription-only piece. “When you see what’s going on with the rookies and their usage with the playoff teams, how many rookies play for a playoff team?” Wallace said. “So you’re building your base of talent. You’d love to have a rookie come in and play right off the bat but you can’t draft on that premise. You’re drafting for overall talent, who is going to have the best career and who can provide the most value for that pick down the road.


I have a feeling Memphis is atleast going to try to orchestrate a draft night deal, Memphis will probably draft the best player left on the board and then try to either trade up for a piece or more likely trade whoever we pick with the #25 and another player to get a role player and a second round pick, maybe even using Q-pon's TPE, and frankly, not sure I think its all bad, like Chis Wallace said, we arent going to get starting caliber player in the draft but there is the possibility if the front office likes a particular player they might be willing to trade whoever we choose at 25 and someone else to potentially get him (Some people speculate memphis might try to acquire Porzingis if he is made available). Anyone else notice Josh Richardson in for a second workout, my guess is Calathes could be part of the draft night deal if they are serious about brining Richardson in as a 4th option. (I still like Jameer Nelson, Mo williams, or Felton better as a 4th option) , but it doesnt mean he wont get put on with Iowa Energy, it would be good since I expect Stokes to spend plenty more time in the D-League before he is ready. They are more focused on FA than the draft, and rightly so, we could have an extremely calm summer where we extend all out offers and guys opt in and we resign everyone even koufos, or we could be in for a major shake up, even if it is just Koufos and Green leaving.

That's what I'm expecting as well. It was originally the reason why I thought if the Grizzlies were to draft at 25th It would purely be for the future. This is a veteran team that's focus on getting after the championship. Their window is at least 2 years from closing so at this point, they will need to make some smart moves if they desire to keep up in the Western Conference as it will not get any easier. A better bench is require as the offensive output has struggled to generate points when the starters take their seats for rest. Putting Jordan Adams out there to see what he can do should be taken under advisement. Joerger doing a better job with his rotations and better plays when needed. As for wanting KP, he fits a project more suited for the future like Christian Wood as I mentioned on this board nearly two weeks ago.

Is there a source stating that we might be after Kristaps? That'd be incredibly interesting, but I'm not sure how Memphis could get him.