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The Memphis Grizzlies’ frontcourt outlook changed in a flash.
A Feb. 3 trade left Memphis without much depth after sending Jaren Jackson Jr. and Jock Landale to the Utah Jazz. Injuries to Zach Edey, Santi Aldama and Brandon Clarke only intensified the issue.
Suddenly, the Grizzlies were left without a true center and limited options at power forward. That remained the case through the rest of the season and is expected to be a major point of emphasis this summer.
This draft class appears loaded with frontcourt talent, and Memphis owns picks No. 3, No. 16 and No. 32.
Power forwards Cameron Boozer and Caleb Wilson both could be options at No. 3, but the board becomes much more fluid later in the first round.
Michigan forward Yaxel Lendeborg is another option, but the Grizzlies almost certainly would need to trade up to acquire him.
Here are four names Memphis could consider in the June 23-24 draft.
Hannes Steinbach emerged as one of the best freshmen in college basketball this past season, averaging 18.5 points and 11.8 rebounds.
At 6-11, 248 pounds, he has the size to play either power forward or center. However, his long-term positional fit may depend on how well he handles physicality and whether he can consistently showcase the mobility needed to defend on the perimeter.
Steinbach is projected to be selected somewhere in the late lottery or teens. If Memphis drafts Boozer or Wilson at No. 3, there could be concerns about positional redundancy unless the Grizzlies believe Steinbach can primarily function as a center.
Jayden Quaintance may be the biggest wild card in this group.
After a strong freshman season at Arizona State as a 17-year-old, Quaintance was projected by many as a potential top-10 pick. However, injuries limited his momentum after transferring to Kentucky for his sophomore season.
At his best, Quaintance is an elite shot blocker and explosive athlete who fits the mold of the modern defensive big man many NBA teams covet. Still, the injury concerns remain a significant part of his evaluation.
“Important things for me are getting the opportunity to show what I’m capable of, the trust of the coaches and just making sure I’m in an environment where they trust things I’m willing to do and have that belief in growing my game or putting in the position to learn the most possible,” Quaintance said on May 13 during the NBA draft combine.
Like Quaintance, Chris Cenac Jr. is a prospect valued more for his long-term upside than his current production.
Entering the season, Cenac appeared in several mock drafts as a projected top-five pick. He averaged 9.5 points and 7.9 rebounds, but scouts remain intrigued by his physical tools and versatility.
Cenac moves well for his size (240 pounds), has promising shooting mechanics and projects as a player capable of filling either the power forward or center role at the next level.
“I’m a guy that plays hard,” Cenac said on May 13. “A guy that has a lot to bring to the table. A winner, for sure. That’s the No.1 priority, always. Just doing whatever it is to help a team win.”
Morez Johnson Jr. took a significant leap during his sophomore season in helping Michigan win a national championship.
Johnson averaged 13.1 points and 7.3 rebounds while displaying the versatility to play either frontcourt position. His energy, athleticism and physicality stood out throughout the season.
During the draft combine, Johnson also impressed evaluators with his explosiveness and overall physical tools, reinforcing his reputation as one of the most athletic big men in this draft class.
For a Grizzlies team searching for more athleticism and frontcourt depth, Johnson could be an intriguing fit.
Damichael Cole is the Memphis Grizzlies beat writer for The Commercial Appeal. Contact Damichael at [email protected]. Follow Damichael on X, formerly known as Twitter, @DamichaelC.
This article originally appeared on Memphis Commercial Appeal: Memphis Grizzlies NBA draft options at power forward, center
Continue reading...
A Feb. 3 trade left Memphis without much depth after sending Jaren Jackson Jr. and Jock Landale to the Utah Jazz. Injuries to Zach Edey, Santi Aldama and Brandon Clarke only intensified the issue.
Suddenly, the Grizzlies were left without a true center and limited options at power forward. That remained the case through the rest of the season and is expected to be a major point of emphasis this summer.
This draft class appears loaded with frontcourt talent, and Memphis owns picks No. 3, No. 16 and No. 32.
Power forwards Cameron Boozer and Caleb Wilson both could be options at No. 3, but the board becomes much more fluid later in the first round.
Michigan forward Yaxel Lendeborg is another option, but the Grizzlies almost certainly would need to trade up to acquire him.
Here are four names Memphis could consider in the June 23-24 draft.
Hannes Steinbach, freshman, Washington, 6-foot-11
Hannes Steinbach emerged as one of the best freshmen in college basketball this past season, averaging 18.5 points and 11.8 rebounds.
At 6-11, 248 pounds, he has the size to play either power forward or center. However, his long-term positional fit may depend on how well he handles physicality and whether he can consistently showcase the mobility needed to defend on the perimeter.
Steinbach is projected to be selected somewhere in the late lottery or teens. If Memphis drafts Boozer or Wilson at No. 3, there could be concerns about positional redundancy unless the Grizzlies believe Steinbach can primarily function as a center.
Jayden Quaintance, sophomore, Kentucky, 6-10
Jayden Quaintance may be the biggest wild card in this group.
After a strong freshman season at Arizona State as a 17-year-old, Quaintance was projected by many as a potential top-10 pick. However, injuries limited his momentum after transferring to Kentucky for his sophomore season.
At his best, Quaintance is an elite shot blocker and explosive athlete who fits the mold of the modern defensive big man many NBA teams covet. Still, the injury concerns remain a significant part of his evaluation.
“Important things for me are getting the opportunity to show what I’m capable of, the trust of the coaches and just making sure I’m in an environment where they trust things I’m willing to do and have that belief in growing my game or putting in the position to learn the most possible,” Quaintance said on May 13 during the NBA draft combine.
Chris Cenac Jr., freshman, Houston, 6-10
Like Quaintance, Chris Cenac Jr. is a prospect valued more for his long-term upside than his current production.
Entering the season, Cenac appeared in several mock drafts as a projected top-five pick. He averaged 9.5 points and 7.9 rebounds, but scouts remain intrigued by his physical tools and versatility.
Cenac moves well for his size (240 pounds), has promising shooting mechanics and projects as a player capable of filling either the power forward or center role at the next level.
“I’m a guy that plays hard,” Cenac said on May 13. “A guy that has a lot to bring to the table. A winner, for sure. That’s the No.1 priority, always. Just doing whatever it is to help a team win.”
Morez Johnson Jr., sophomore, Michigan, 6-9
Morez Johnson Jr. took a significant leap during his sophomore season in helping Michigan win a national championship.
Johnson averaged 13.1 points and 7.3 rebounds while displaying the versatility to play either frontcourt position. His energy, athleticism and physicality stood out throughout the season.
During the draft combine, Johnson also impressed evaluators with his explosiveness and overall physical tools, reinforcing his reputation as one of the most athletic big men in this draft class.
For a Grizzlies team searching for more athleticism and frontcourt depth, Johnson could be an intriguing fit.
Damichael Cole is the Memphis Grizzlies beat writer for The Commercial Appeal. Contact Damichael at [email protected]. Follow Damichael on X, formerly known as Twitter, @DamichaelC.
This article originally appeared on Memphis Commercial Appeal: Memphis Grizzlies NBA draft options at power forward, center
Continue reading...
