Memphis Grizzlies mock draft, prioritizing size, upside and fit – The Commercial Appeal

As the sun sets on one era of Memphis Grizzlies basketball, a new one is on the horizon as the team prepares for a pivotal NBA draft June 23–24.
The Grizzlies hold three picks in the top 32 — the most of any team — including two first-round selections and the second pick of the second round.
They are positioned to do exactly what they are set to accomplish: Fast-track a rebuild, armed with a surplus of draft capital and financial flexibility.
Drafting is an inexact science, but this class is expected to feature franchise-altering players, and the Grizzlies are aiming to avoid being the team that misses out on one of those game-changing talents.
While they are locked into picks No. 16 and No. 32, they await the NBA draft lottery on May 10 to determine where their top selection will land. Memphis currently holds the sixth-best odds to secure the No. 1 overall pick.
For now, we’ll project the Grizzlies landing the No. 6 pick, with teams above them holding their positions.
Here is an early Grizzlies mock draft:
The Sacramento Kings are projected to select fifth. After losing De’Aaron Fox a little over a year ago, they address their point guard need by selecting Arkansas guard Darius Acuff Jr.
With Acuff off the board, Memphis chooses among Keaton Wagler, Kingston Flemings and Mikel Brown Jr. Wagler offers the best blend of upside and availability, making him the pick.
The 6-foot-6 guard wasn’t widely projected as a top pick entering the season, but his shotmaking has elevated his stock. While his NBA-level athleticism is still a question, his shooting is among his highly desirable traits.
A potential pick-and-roll pairing between Wagler and Zach Edey could help define Memphis’ next era offensively. Wagler averaged 17.9 points and 4.2 assists while shooting 39.7% on 3-pointers.
There are defensive concerns, but Wagler’s size and effort provide a foundation for improvement. Length and versatility are expected to be focal points as Memphis reshapes its roster.
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Another wing for Memphis? Yes — and it fits the direction the franchise appears to be heading.
Cameron Carr brings intriguing physical tools, standing 6-5 with a 7-2 wingspan and explosive athleticism.
He showcased that length at Baylor, averaging 2.2 stocks (steals plus blocks), including 1.3 blocks per game as a wing. Carr also posted 18.9 points per game and shot 37.4% from 3-point range.
This selection is about upside. The Grizzlies already feature a promising wing group led by Cedric Coward, Jaylen Wells and the emerging GG Jackson, but adding more two-way potential strengthens the long-term outlook.
Carr saw limited action in his first two collegiate seasons at Tennessee, but his breakout at Baylor makes him a worthwhile gamble. He’ll need to add strength, but the tools are evident for a player who could develop into a starter alongside Coward.
Regardless of long-term projections for Zach Edey’s health, Memphis needs to come away from this draft with another center.
For years, the Grizzlies’ success has been tied to having a physical presence in the middle. Jonas Valančiūnas, Steven Adams and Edey provided that when healthy, but the drop-off was noticeable when they were off the floor.
Pairing Edey with another physically imposing big should be a priority, and Tarris Reed fits that mold. The UConn product averaged 14.7 points and nine rebounds while helping lead the Huskies to the national championship game.
At 6-10 and 250 pounds, Reed is one of the more physical centers in the class. He also averaged two blocks per game, offering reliable rim protection.
This pick provides insurance — not only against potential injuries, but also foul trouble — while reinforcing Memphis’ emphasis on size, rebounding and interior defense.
Damichael Cole is the Memphis Grizzlies beat writer for The Commercial Appeal. Contact Damichael at damichael.cole@commercialappeal.com. Follow Damichael on X, formerly known as Twitter, @DamichaelC.

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