RealGM Analysis
2007-2008 Finish: 22-60
2008 Draft Picks: 5th, 28th
Pre-Draft 2008-09 Projected Starters:
PG Mike Conley
SG Mike Miller
SF Rudy Gay
PF Hakim Warrick
C Darko Milicic
Key Reserves:
PG Javaris Crittenton
PG Kyle Lowry
SG Juan Carlos Navarro
C Jason Collins
What the Grizzlies Do Well:
If there?s one thing the Grizzlies got, it's point guards. They have arguably the top two point guards in last year?s Draft (sorry Acie Law) to go along with Kyle Lowry and Juan Carlos Navarro.
Rudy Gay and Mike Miller had breakout seasons for the Grizz last season. Gay led the team in scoring with 20.1 points and proved to be an all around force posting 6.2 rebounds, 2.0 assists, 1.4 steals, and 1.0 blocks per game. Miller was also all over the place, putting up 16.4 points, 6.6 rebounds, and 3.4 assists while shooting an alarming 43.2% from deep.
Darko also had a solid first season in Memphis. He led the team with 1.63 blocks per game despite only playing 23.8 minutes. His per-48 numbers of 14.6 poins, 12.2 rebounds, and 3.29 blocks identify him as a solid contributor when on the floor.
Greatest Areas of Improvement:
Low Block Scorer
Looking ahead to next year, the main areas that the Grizzlies must improve are solely in the frontcourt. Hakim Warrick is a glorified small forward, and Darko Milicic is simply Darko. Neither is going to command a double team, and neither will ever carry the team by playing with his back to the basket. Since Pau Gasol was dealt to the Lakers, Memphis has been searching for a scoring option in the paint.
Rebounding
The Grizzlies need more power and rebounding inside ? simply put. Their team leader in rebounding last year was their starting two-guard Mike Miller, and he only managed a measly 6.7 per game. Their anticipated frontcourt for next year barely combined to average over 10 rebounds per game ? Darko (6.1) and Warrick (4.7). They need to pick up a big man who can rip down boards with authority.
Who?s Gone Number 5 Recently?
The fifth pick has been very good to those teams making the selections. Dwyane Wade slipped to number 5 and was an NBA Finals' MVP. Devin Harris has been a key member in Dallas? recent success before being dealt to New Jersey. Ray Felton and Jeff Green have shown flashes of brilliance when given the opportunity, and Shelden Williams is a very suitable back up big man. The Grizzlies should feel confident having the fifth pick in this year?s Draft.
2007
Jeff Green, Boston Celtics (traded to Seattle)
2006
Shelden Williams, Atlanta Hawks
2005
Raymond Felton, Charlotte Bobcats
2004
Devin Harris, Washington Wizards (traded to Dallas)
2003
Dwyane Wade, Miami Heat
Who Should the Grizzlies Target?
For more in-depth analysis and background regarding the players that the Grizzlies should target in this year?s Draft, click on each player name to be redirected to Christopher Reina?s Prospect Report piece.
Brook Lopez might not still be available when the Grizzlies are on the clock. But if he is, Memphis would have a hard time passing on the talented inside scorer. Lopez would compliment Darko Milicic very well and give the Grizzlies a very potent inside-outside game with Miller and Gay beyond the arc.
Mayo would provide the Grizzlies with another threat from downtown. He is the perfect candidate to get fans back in the seats in Memphis. His star power would be too tough for a franchise struggling to sell tickets to pass on. Mayo would team with Conley and Gay to be an extremely athletic backcourt combination.
DeAndre Jordan could finally supply the Grizzlies with a force in the paint that will get blocked shots, pull down rebounds, and offensively dominate the paint for years to come. His potential is off the charts; his athleticism is reminiscent of the beastly Dwight Howard; and his upside might be too much for the rebuilding Grizzlies to pass on.
Randolph fits the bill of another combo forward similar to Hakim Warrick. However, his ceiling is much higher than ,and he can eventually turn into another Lamar Odom or better yet, Chris Bosh.
Who Do the Fans Want?
According to Andrew Perna?s Memphis Grizzlies Lottery Summit, an interactive column featuring the responses of true RealGM hoops fans hoping to add their two cents to the Grizzlies Draft discussion, the fans of Memphis seemed to have varying responses as to who they?d like to select. They have mentioned Danilo Gallinari, Anthony Randolph, and Eric Gordon. Overall, the consensus of whom Grizz fans would like the fifth overall selection in the 2008 NBA Draft:
O.J. Mayo, SG ? USC
Picks Over the Past Five Years
Memphis hasn?t had many picks in the past couple of years but have used them very wisely over the past three years. Mike Conley appears to be the real deal, and Lowry and Warrick have gotten increasingly better after each added year of experience.
2007
Mike Conley, 4th
2006
Kyle Lowry, 24th
2005
Hakim Warrick, 19th
2004
Sergey Lishchuk, 50th
2003
Marcus Banks, 13th (traded to Boston)
Kendrick Perkins, 27th (traded to Boston)
Previous Editions of the 30 Teams, 30 Days Series
30 Teams, 30 Days: Chicago Draft Preview
30 Teams, 30 Days: Miami Draft Preview
30 Teams, 30 Days: Minnesota Draft Preview
30 Teams, 30 Days: Seattle Draft Preview
Who do you want the Grizzlies to draft at number 5? Feel free to contact Jason M. Williams with your thoughts. He can be reached at Jason.Williams@RealGM.com for comments and questions.