The Memphis Grizzlies are eliminated from playoff contention, but they still have a major stake i the play-in tournament
The Memphis Grizzlies are eliminated from playoff contention, but they still have a major stake in the play-in tournament.
Every Memphis Grizzlies fan is keeping an eye on the draft. In particular, they're eyeing their own pick. That makes sense. The Grizzlies' own first-rounder will be their most valuable selection.
That said, it's not necessarily the only lottery pick they'll have.
If you'd forgotten, you'd be forgiven. The Grizzlies own the rights to draft picks from the Phoenix Suns and Orlando Magic should they find themselves in the lottery. When those picks were acquired, neither team was seen as a lottery possibility. Now, they both are.
The 7th-seeded Suns lost to the 10th-seeded Trail Blazers in the first play-in game. If they lose to whoever emerges victorious from the Warriors-Clippers matchup, they send a lottery pick directly to the Grizzlies.
The Magic's fate is already partially sealed. On Tuesday, Philadelphia defeated Orlando 109-97 in the first play-in game, eliminating the Magic from the top-6 and forcing them into a second-chance game. A loss there would send Memphis yet another lottery pick. Three lottery picks for the Grizzlies this summer is no longer just a theoretical exercise — it's now a genuine possibility.
That would be outrageous.
It's unlikely to happen, but it's firmly in the realm of possibility. As a housekeeping matter, the Wizards hold the rights to swap picks with the Suns depending on how the lottery shakes out. In that event, Memphis would take Washington's pick instead. The broader point remains: the Grizzlies could pick three times in the lottery.
How should they spend their fortunes?
Let's assume the Grizzlies only have their own pick. That alone presents them with a huge opportunity. Depending on where the pick lands, it could be franchise-altering.
If that's their only lottery pick, the Grizzlies should take whoever they deem the best player available. If they have a second pick, the calculus might change — although even then, it depends on how the picks align.
Say the Grizzlies receive the first pick and the 9th pick via the Suns. They'll go best player available with the first pick. Could they not justify using the 9th on a player who complements the top selection? Suppose they think Cameron Boozer is the best prospect. Could they pick a rim protector to support him?
By contrast, if the picks landed 7th and 8th, it's essential to double your odds of landing a big-time player. On the other hand, if Memphis does wind up lucky enough to land three lottery picks, they should strongly consider spending one on a role player who will complement their long-term cornerstones.
For now, all Grizzlies fans can do is watch the rest of the play-in tournament unfold — and with Orlando already on the doorstep of the lottery, the stakes just got a little more real.