Memphis Grizzlies 2018 NBA Draft Grades

Memphis Grizzlies 2018 NBA Draft Grades

J.B. Bickerstaff has two blue-collar draftees to develop as the Memphis Grizzlies push to return to the playoffs this upcoming season. Who are they and do they fit the team needs?

J.B. Bickerstaff has two blue-collar draftees to develop as the Memphis Grizzlies push to return to the playoffs this upcoming season. Who are they and do they fit the team needs?

With the 4th pick in the 2018 NBA Draft, the Memphis Grizzlies selected Michigan State stud, Jaren Jackson, Jr., as the next Grit N' Grind stalwart. Jackson was a highly touted prospect because of his defensive ability and raw offensive potential. in his lone season, Jaren averaged 10.9 PPG and 5.8 RPG while shooting 51.3% from the field. What's even more impressive was his three-point shooting. He eclipsed 39.6% from beyond the arc. He's tough as nails too. As the Grizzlies look to rebound from an abysmal season and prepare for the future, Jackson is the perfect player to develop.

In the second round, the Memphis Grizzlies selected PG Jevon Carter from West Virginia University with the 32nd pick. This was an excellent selection by the front office with him having first-round value and fitting a dire need. The Grizzlies have lacked a pure point guard to develop behind Mike Conley for quite some time. The team has used several combo guards to fill the starting role when Conley went down with injury, but neither of them were as good in setting the offense and creating for others. Jevon can learn in this role and possibly cement himself as the permanent backup. Carter finished his senior year recording 112 steals (led NCAA) and setting the school record (330 steals) for his career. He should come in right away and be a serviceable rotation cog off the bench.

Overall, the Memphis Grizzlies added two NCAA standouts to their roster and improved their depth tremendously. Expect to see success in their development this season.

Overall Draft Grade: A

With the 4th pick in the 2018 NBA Draft, the Memphis Grizzlies selected Michigan State stud, Jaren Jackson, Jr., as the next Grit N' Grind stalwart. Jackson was a highly touted prospect because of his defensive ability and raw offensive potential. in his lone season, Jaren averaged 10.9 PPG and 5.8 RPG while shooting 51.3% from the field. What's even more impressive was his three-point shooting. He eclipsed 39.6% from beyond the arc. He's tough as nails too. As the Grizzlies look to rebound from an abysmal season and prepare for the future, Jackson is the perfect player to develop.

In the second round, the Memphis Grizzlies selected PG Jevon Carter from West Virginia University with the 32nd pick. This was an excellent selection by the front office with him having first-round value and fitting a dire need. The Grizzlies have lacked a pure point guard to develop behind Mike Conley for quite some time. The team has used several combo guards to fill the starting role when Conley went down with injury, but neither of them were as good in setting the offense and creating for others. Jevon can learn in this role and possibly cement himself as the permanent backup. Carter finished his senior year recording 112 steals (led NCAA) and setting the school record (330 steals) for his career. He should come in right away and be a serviceable rotation cog off the bench.

Overall, the Memphis Grizzlies added two NCAA standouts to their roster and improved their depth tremendously. Expect to see success in their development this season.

Overall Draft Grade: A

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