The Memphis Grizzlies landed the No. 3 pick in the 2026 NBA Draft Lottery, a 9.4% outcome that guarantees them a cornerstone from the loaded top three.
Luck is a massive variable in the NBA. It's undeniable. The Memphis Grizzlies got a bit lucky in the 2026 NBA Draft.
No, they didn't land first overall. The Grizzlies will pick third. That had a 9.4% chance of happening, whereas the Grizzlies had a 29.7% chance of landing seventh.
So, yes, this was lucky. This is widely regarded as a three-man draft. It wouldn't be a shock to hear the Washington Wizards select any one of AJ Dybansta, Cameron Boozer, or Darryn Peterson. The Jazz could take whichever of the two is left.
When the Grizzlies' name is called, there won't be much mystery about who they'll select. They will take whoever is left.
The Grizzlies will land a cornerstone player
It seems probable that Dybansta will be picked first. It's anyone's guess what the Jazz might do. Would they prefer to pair a scoring guard like Peterson with Keyonte George, or build an offensive system around Boozer?
The Grizzlies will take whichever of the two is left. It's a blessing. This team is a blank slate. Outside of Ja Morant (more on him later), the Grizzlies have no can't-miss cornerstone players, so they can work either of these guys into their rotation.
Even if they do have cornerstones, they should fit with most of what they have available. Cedric Coward and Peterson can play together. There may be questions about a Zach Edey / Cameron Boozer frontcourt defensively, but Edey hasn't been consistent or productive enough to base such a consequential decision around.
Either way, this is an exciting development.
What does it mean for the future?
Grizzlies still have decisions to make
Until they move Morant, all things circle back to the mercurial point guard.
If the Grizzlies land Boozer, he's got to go. This is an offensive hub that should be surrounded by floor spacing. Morant's ball dominance is not a good fit.
Peterson is a somewhat different story. There will be an undeniable temptation to pair him with Morant to form one of the most explosive backcourts in the NBA. It may even be the right decision.
Time will tell. This is a question that has persisted. Now, we have some clarity about the Grizzlies' direction. Still, we won't have a complete picture until draft night. Then, Memphis will make a decision that changes the course of their franchise:
How lucky could they be?
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