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Much of the time leading up to the NBA draft is spent identifying players who can change the trajectory of a franchise.
But teams also must identify the types of players that best fit their vision.
The Memphis Grizzlies, for example, could simply take a best-player-available approach as they continue their rebuild. Acquiring and stockpiling talent is the simplest way to accelerate a turnaround.
However, there also must be consideration for how those players fit alongside the pieces the organization plans to build around.
Memphis owns the No. 3, No. 16 and No. 32 picks in the 2026 NBA Draft, which will be held June 23-24.
Here are the types of players the Grizzlies should target.
This one is simple: The Grizzlies need star power.
Memphis already traded two-time All-Star Jaren Jackson Jr. in February, and point guard Ja Morant's future with the franchise remains uncertain. The organization needs new faces to energize the fan base, and it has an opportunity to find one with two picks in the top 16.
The No. 3 pick is especially valuable considering the hype surrounding the top prospects in this draft class.
Landing a star would make everything else easier. It would provide the Grizzlies with a cornerstone and a clearer picture of how to build the rest of the roster.
The NBA is an athlete's league.
Skill remains paramount, but teams are always searching for players with elite physical tools — length, explosiveness and the ability to impact games above the rim. Players who lack top-tier athleticism often face a steeper path to becoming difference-makers. Many of them become stars in other professional leagues.
Memphis has talent throughout its roster, but it could use an infusion of elite athletes. The Grizzlies want to play fast and thrive in transition, a style that is amplified by players who can run, jump and make explosive plays.
Grizzlies coach Tuomas Iisalo drew attention when he noted the team's need for a three-level scorer.
The larger issue, though, is the need for players who can create their own shot and generate offense late in games when defensive pressure intensifies and set plays break down.
Adding a shot-making guard or wing would provide a major boost. This draft class appears deeper in guards than wings who fit that description, but Memphis only needs to identify the right player to elevate its half-court and clutch-time offense.
The Grizzlies spent much of the final two months of the 2025-26 season without a true center rotation.
Following the death of Brandon Clarke, trading away Jackson and Jock Landale, and Zach Edey's ongoing injury concerns, the position remains an area of need.
With the No. 16 or No. 32 pick, Memphis should strongly consider adding another center. Whether it's a developmental backup behind Edey or an insurance policy if his ankle issues persist, adding frontcourt depth should be a priority.
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: Four traits for Grizzlies 2026 NBA Draft targets, including shot creation
Continue reading...
But teams also must identify the types of players that best fit their vision.
The Memphis Grizzlies, for example, could simply take a best-player-available approach as they continue their rebuild. Acquiring and stockpiling talent is the simplest way to accelerate a turnaround.
However, there also must be consideration for how those players fit alongside the pieces the organization plans to build around.
Memphis owns the No. 3, No. 16 and No. 32 picks in the 2026 NBA Draft, which will be held June 23-24.
Here are the types of players the Grizzlies should target.
Grizzlies go star hunting
This one is simple: The Grizzlies need star power.
Memphis already traded two-time All-Star Jaren Jackson Jr. in February, and point guard Ja Morant's future with the franchise remains uncertain. The organization needs new faces to energize the fan base, and it has an opportunity to find one with two picks in the top 16.
The No. 3 pick is especially valuable considering the hype surrounding the top prospects in this draft class.
Landing a star would make everything else easier. It would provide the Grizzlies with a cornerstone and a clearer picture of how to build the rest of the roster.
Elite athleticism
The NBA is an athlete's league.
Skill remains paramount, but teams are always searching for players with elite physical tools — length, explosiveness and the ability to impact games above the rim. Players who lack top-tier athleticism often face a steeper path to becoming difference-makers. Many of them become stars in other professional leagues.
Memphis has talent throughout its roster, but it could use an infusion of elite athletes. The Grizzlies want to play fast and thrive in transition, a style that is amplified by players who can run, jump and make explosive plays.
Shot creation
Grizzlies coach Tuomas Iisalo drew attention when he noted the team's need for a three-level scorer.
The larger issue, though, is the need for players who can create their own shot and generate offense late in games when defensive pressure intensifies and set plays break down.
Adding a shot-making guard or wing would provide a major boost. This draft class appears deeper in guards than wings who fit that description, but Memphis only needs to identify the right player to elevate its half-court and clutch-time offense.
Depth at center
The Grizzlies spent much of the final two months of the 2025-26 season without a true center rotation.
Following the death of Brandon Clarke, trading away Jackson and Jock Landale, and Zach Edey's ongoing injury concerns, the position remains an area of need.
With the No. 16 or No. 32 pick, Memphis should strongly consider adding another center. Whether it's a developmental backup behind Edey or an insurance policy if his ankle issues persist, adding frontcourt depth should be a priority.
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: Four traits for Grizzlies 2026 NBA Draft targets, including shot creation
Continue reading...
