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NBA Draft 2019: 5 best fits for R.J. Barrett

By Ian Levy

CHICAGO, IL - MAY 14: RJ Barrett poses for a portrait at the 2019 NBA Draft Combine on May 14, 2019 at the Chicago Hilton in Chicago, Illinois. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2019 NBAE (Photo by David Sherman/NBAE via Getty Images)
CHICAGO, IL - MAY 14: RJ Barrett poses for a portrait at the 2019 NBA Draft Combine on May 14, 2019 at the Chicago Hilton in Chicago, Illinois. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2019 NBAE (Photo by David Sherman/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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MEMPHIS, TN – MARCH 23: Mike Conley #11 of the Memphis Grizzlies looks on during the game against the Minnesota Timberwolves at FedExForum on March 23, 2019 in Memphis, Tennessee. Minnesota won 112-99. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using the photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)
MEMPHIS, TN – MARCH 23: Mike Conley #11 of the Memphis Grizzlies looks on during the game against the Minnesota Timberwolves at FedExForum on March 23, 2019 in Memphis, Tennessee. Minnesota won 112-99. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using the photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) /

4. Memphis Grizzlies

The Grizzlies are reportedly set on Ja Morant with the No. 2 pick but if something were to make the reconsider, Barrett could be a fun option. The Grizzlies have need shot creation and perimeter scoring since, I don’t know, the invention of the wheel and Barrett’s ceiling would obviously present a lot of help in both areas. The future of the Grizzlies is pinned to the upside of Jaren Jackson Jr. and he and Barrett would make for an extremely interesting pick-and-roll combination (maybe even in both orientations) given their collective length, athleticism and shooting potential.

The other interesting piece is here is that it keeps Mike Conley Jr. in the starting lineup. That may be the case anyway with Morant learning off the bench but Conley Jr. and Barrett could play side-by-side, limiting the initial responsibility on Barrett and giving Conley Jr. one of the most dangerous perimeter threats he’s ever played next too (which, honestly, says a lot considering Barrett would be a 19-year-old rookie). Morant has a certain appeal given his exciting style of play but it’s not clear that his ceiling is that much higher than Barrett’s and this could be the best pick for Memphis’ future.

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