4 DAYS TO GO, DRAFTING 4TH
4th Overall: Memphis Grizzlies
Statistically the worst team in the NBA last year, the Grizzlies hope the 4th overall pick helps turn the franchise around. Memphis will try to please their current centerpiece Pau Gasol by selecting a future centerpiece.
The more I have covered and researched this draft, the higher I think that Mike Conley Jr will get drafted. As pretty much the only solid true point worth taking in the first round, Conley could find himself being picked 4th or even 3rd. Atlanta at 3rd, Memphis at 4th and Milwaukee at 6th all need help at point. If Mike Conley Jr doesn't get taken 3rd or 4th, I can't imagine he'd slip past the Bucks at 6.
Earlier today I read a rumor on RotoWorld.com that suggested the Bucks Mo Williams could sign with Memphis. If the Grizzlies find their point guard in free agency, they may look to draft the freakishly long and talented Brandan Wright. His game isn't exactly polished, he looks like he's still getting used to having those praying mantis arms. Today he isn't an NBA ready center, but B Wright could be the right fit for Memphis.
After googling NBA draft about 100,000 times over the last month or so, I've discovered that some draft sites are better than others. DraftExpress is the spot on the net that I prefer. Right now DraftExpress.com has Wright falling past Memphis and even past Boston. Wright has been compared to current NBAer Chris Bosh because of his position and size as well as for his shot blocking ability, athleticism, and quickness. Both Bosh and Wright have length and are able to use their long wing-spans to shoot over defenders.
DraftExpress has Boston passing on Wright and drafting Jeff Green. Green's Georgetown team took out Wright's Tar Heels in the Elite 8 of this past NCAA tournament. During the game Wright showed flashes of potential after throwing down on a few fast breaks, posting up, taking good shots and hustling down rebounds. One thing that was evident from that game was Wright's struggle to keep up with Jeff Green. Wright didn't appear to be in the best shape as he committed silly fouls, allowed easy baskets and looked exhausted down the stretch.
Wright is listed at 6'10". He is also listed at 200 pounds. Now, I'm not a weight-watcher, but this kid needs to eat something. NBA GM's might pass on Wright because he lacks bulk to bang with the big boys. The Tennessee native is only 19 so he has plenty of time to grow.
The Grizzlies might not take Wright because they already have Brian Cardinal, Alexander Johnson, Lawrence Roberts, Stromile Swift and Hakim Warrick who all play Wright's position. Conley would make the most sense because right now Memphis is relying on old guys Chucky Atkins and Damon Stoudamire to run things. It doesn't seem likely that a team looking forward to the future (Rudy G, Gasol, Miller, Lowry, Warrick) would want to pass on an almost certain sure thing in MCJr.
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