The Memphis Grizzlies could address a key need in their backcourt as a new NBA mock draft projects an intriguing guard prospect to be available with the No. 16 overall pick.
With the 2026 NBA Draft less than three weeks away, the Memphis Grizzlies are evaluating several avenues to improve their roster, including the possibility of adding backcourt depth with the No. 16 pick in the draft.
Bleacher Report's Jonathan Wasserman published an updated 2026 NBA Mock Draft with second-round predictions on June 9, where he has the Memphis Grizzlies taking a point guard with the No. 16 pick in the draft from the Phoenix Suns.
In early January 2026, trade rumors began to surface around Grizzlies' guard Ja Morant. Right now, the Sacramento Kings and the Miami Heat are two teams that have been reported to be showing "concrete" interest in the guard, according to The Athletic NBA Daily.
Wasserman projected that Memphis should take Stanford guard Ebuka Okorie with the 16th pick in the draft. If the franchise takes Cameron Boozer with the No.3 overall pick, Okorie would complement the current roster.
Building Depth
While Morant remains on the current roster, Boozer would be a great piece to pair with the star guard, Jaylen Wells, Ty Jerome, Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, if he remains with the team, and Zach Edey.
Okorie will add bench depth and expand the guard rotation, if Morant is moved or even if he remains with the team. The Sanford guard is listed at 6-foot-2, at 185 lbs.
Okorie can play through contact, finish at the rim, and shoot comfortably from midrange. Scouting reports express concerns for his three-point shooting ability but applaud his ability to space the floor enough for him to keep the defense "honest."
The New Hampshire native averaged 23.2 (8th in the nation), 3.6 rebounds, 3.6 assists, while shooting 46.5 percent from the field. Although three-point shooting was a concern on his scouting report, he shot 35.4 percent from three.
Okorie only played his freshman season at Stanford and could be a player that Memphis can develop or put into the second lineup, no matter if Morant is traded or remains with the franchise.
The Grizzlies ' issues last season were not centered around the backcourt, but the lack of depth after injury. Morant was shut down for the rest of the season after the January 21 game against the Hawks.
Back-up guards Scotty Pippen Jr. (72 games) and Ty Jerome (67 games) missed a substantial amount of games. Drafting a guard will allow the franchise to develop talent and extend its depth in case injury arises during the season.
If Morant is traded, the team could likely receive more draft capital.
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