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.