NBA Mock Draft 2.0: Full first-round predictions a week before the lottery
PF/C. Real Madrid. 211. Scouting Report. Pick Analysis. Usman Garuba. 17. player
NBA Mock Draft 17th Pick: Memphis Grizzlies
The Memphis Grizzlies aren’t necessarily craving for young assets in the present, especially with the team boasting one of the league’s deepest roster flocked by high-upside youngsters in the NBA. The team is literally stacked at every position, with this depth as one of the catalysts to their playoff run this season.
However, more talent is always welcome. Usman Garuba, the big man from Real Madrid, already exudes Memphis basketball in his game, playing a defensive, blue-collared approach to the game that should be more than an intriguing fit for the upstart Grizzlies.
His offensive game needs a lot of smoothening, but if the bruiser can get it together, he should be a great complement to Jaren Jackson Jr. in the frontcourt while doubling as a security blanket for Jonas Valanciunas. Sounds familiar, right? I bet Memphis wants a rewind—or even an upscale— of the old Grit N’ Grind.