Fansided

2019 NBA Draft grades for every team: Pelicans get an A+, Rockets get an F

By Brandon Jefferson

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - JUNE 20: Zion Williamson poses with NBA Commissioner Adam Silver after being drafted with the first overall pick by the New Orleans Pelicans during the 2019 NBA Draft at the Barclays Center on June 20, 2019 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. 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. (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - JUNE 20: Zion Williamson poses with NBA Commissioner Adam Silver after being drafted with the first overall pick by the New Orleans Pelicans during the 2019 NBA Draft at the Barclays Center on June 20, 2019 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. 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. (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images) /
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Ja Morant
RICHMOND, KY – FEBRUARY 16: Ja Morant #12 of the Murray State Racers brings the ball up court during the game against the Eastern Kentucky Colonels at CFSB Center on February 16, 2019 in Murray, Kentucky. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images) /

Memphis Grizzlies – A

2nd Overall – Ja Morant, Guard (Murray State)

21st Overall – Brandon Clarke, Forward (Gonzaga)

Before the day of the 2019 NBA Draft, the Memphis Grizzlies first put an end to the “Grit ‘N’ Grind” era by trading away point guard Mike Conley Jr. to the Utah Jazz. Memphis got back the 23rd overall pick in the draft, Jae Crowder, Kyle Korver, Grayson Allen, and a protected 2020 first-round pick. The last remaining member of the team led by Zach Randolph, Tony Allen, Marc Gasol, and Conley Jr. the Grizzlies were signifying that a new time had come. Conley Jr. leaves the franchise as the all-time leader in games, points, assists, three-pointers made and steals.

With the second pick in the 2019 NBA Draft, the Grizzlies drafted who they hope to be Conley Jr.’s replacement in Murray State point guard, Ja Morant. Whereas Conley Jr. was more of a floor general and playmaker, Morant is a high-flying attacker who can create off the pass or on his own. Morant has drawn comparisons to the likes of De’Aaron Fox, Derrick Rose, and Russell Westbrook due to Gian SportsCenter Top 10 highlight plays but he’s more than just an athlete. He has the vision and passing acumen to not only make the right play but to move the defense where he wants in order to create an opening for teammates.

The team will immediately hand over the reins to Morant and let him learn on the fly. Teaming him up with Jaren Jackson Jr. gives them two players that are young and can grow together. Each also is in the mold of players who are dominant at their positions in the NBA today. Getting the most out of those two will be the key to any chance of a Memphis resurgence in the future.

The Grizzlies would then take the 23rd pick that they got in the Conley Jr. deal and a 2024 second-round pick and use it to move up to the 21st pick which the Oklahoma City Thunder owned. They would use that pick to take Brandon Clarke of Gonzaga. Clarke burst on the scene last season after transferring to Gonzaga from San Jose State. Clarke’s ability as a rim-protector made him a standout at the college level. However, at just 6-foot-8 and an even wingspan, questions abounded as to whether or not he could replicate his success in the NBA. Teaming with Jaren Jackson Jr. is likely his best shot at making that happen. Jackson is a plus defender too but also provides spacing as he is a respectable three-point shooter. That would leave the lane open for Clarke’s aerial pursuits. Memphis is undergoing a rebuild for sure but the pieces they have in place look like winners.

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