WRG 2012 Mock Draft - #25 Memphis Grizzlies

If we were drafting strictly by need, we'd be looking for a backup PG at this pick, but we aren't drafting by need and aren't going to reach for a player just to fill a slot.

We could use perimeter shooting, but we don't want to just take a one dimensional player who can't do anything but shoot. Like we said, we aren't going to reach in order just to fill a need.

Instead, we see a player whose hard nosed attitude and tough defense fits into our team philosophy. A player who can defend multiple positions, but is still very competent as a spot up shooter and might even be able to help us with that problem.

With the 25th pick, the Memphis Grizzlies select Jeff Taylor, SF, Vanderbilt

Ride em cowboy!

Jeff Taylor's style of play fits in perfectly with how our team plays. He's a physical player who is very strong and willing to get dirty on the defensive end. He's made strides as a shooter and we hope he can help us by stretching the defense at times and draining some long range daggers.  His potential is very high, and we are very high on his chance to thrive in our system.

WRG 2010 Mock Draft - #25 Memphis Grizzlies

Our second of three first round picks. We are disappointed that the Hawks snagged Eric Bledsoe in front of us. We might as well tell you right now that we aren't thrilled with Mike Conley.

There aren't many point guards in this draft, and we feel like we can still grab one of the next tier combo guards with our next pick, so we are gonna go with who we feel is the best player still available and a guy with a lot of potential in Larry Sanders.

Sanders gives us a big man who can run the floor, which is something we don't have. Thabeet, Gasol & Randolph are all plodding big men, and we think Sanders can develop into a terrific player and not just an athlete. Sanders and Thabeet in the same lineup? Try not to get swatted.

We didn't just draft Larry...we drafted his whole posse.

WRG 2010 Mock Draft - #12 Memphis Grizzlies

 
Brass tacks.

We would love to tweak our improved roster using this draft and upgrade at backup PG or add a situational defensive grinder type to get us some late stops.

However, we have a key player who is a restricted free agent who we don't want to pay, so we aren't doing any of that.

Luckily for us, a raw, cheap version of this player has fallen into our laps.

The Memphis Grizzlies select Paul George.  He may not be an upgrade, but when we watch him we will get the warm, fuzzy feeling that comes with not downing Tums like M&Ms from being locked into a ridiculously risky $80M contract.

Not Gay

WRG Mock Draft #27: Memphis Grizzlies

We snagged an incredibly talented 2 guard with our first pick. Now we need to address a specific need. An athletic, shot blocking power forward.

We need a power forward in the worst way, and there are a couple guys we like that can play next to Marc Gasol. As aforementioned, we prefer someone athletic and that can block shots. We want someone with a track record. We know who we want, and we've zeroed in on him.

With the 27th pick the Memphis Grizzlies select:

Don't bring that weak tot action!

Taj Gibson, PF, USC


Taj is 24 years old, but we aren't drafting for upside this late. He can come in and fill a specific need that we have. He has a proven record of being an above average shot blocker while at USC. It's also a bonus that he played with OJ Mayo at USC, so they will have some previous experience playing with each other.

The Minnesota Timberwolves are on the clock.

WRG Mock Draft: #2, Memphis Grizzlies

The Grizz got a little bit hosed by moving up in the lottery. They have to pay more for whoever they take, and there really isn't a great fit for them at the top of this draft.

As a matter of fact, what they really need is some steady veteran leadership to mix in with their extremely young and inconsistent core.

If I'm using the pick, however, I think the best things I could accomplish is to make the frontcourt tougher defensively or to take a complimentary guard to pair with our best player, OJ Mayo.

Since I would not spend a pick this high on Hasheem Thabeet (who I consider a mid-first round project), frontcourt toughness will have to be addressed another way.

That leaves me with a choice of guards to play with Mayo. Mayo can play off the ball, but he is a playmaker and we want him to be an offensive initiator. That eliminates all the guards who need the ball to be effective. Take those away, and you are effectively left with one choice this high in the draft.

The Grizzlies select James Harden.

He's not a perfect fit, and honestly he could be taken lower, but he has almost no bust potential and I feel very good about our guard rotation going forward. Now I can focus on the other huge holes in the team.

The Oklahoma City Thunder is on the clock.