NBA mock draft 3.0: Memphis Grizzlies trade up for a potential rookie starter (2024)

NBA draft week is here. Soon, all of the questions on one of the most unpredictable draft classes in recent memory will be answered.

Teams like the Houston Rockets and San Antonio Spurs have major control over the direction of Wednesday’s first round (7 p.m., ESPN/ABC). Houston has a No. 3 pick that it has reportedly been shopping, while San Antonio owns two top-eight selections.

On the player front, UConn center Donovan Clingan could go anywhere from one to nine. When and where he lands will likely dictate the picks to follow.

One team that has interest in Clingan is the Memphis Grizzlies. The Grizzlies don’t have many glaring holes heading into this draft, but he would fill one of them. Could they get their hands on Clingan all the way down at nine, or would it take some reshuffling on the draft board?

Here is The Commercial Appeal’s latest mock draft.

1. Atlanta Hawks — Zaccharie Risacher, F JL Bourg (LNB), France

Height/weight: 6-foot-9, 204 pounds

Reports have indicated that the Hawks may be interested in Donovan Clingan. Still, it feels like an outside chance that Atlanta makes such a bold move to start things off. With other reports indicating Alex Sarr hasn't worked out for the Hawks, Zaccharie Risacher is the likely pick. Risacher gives Atlanta a promising wing defender with offensive upside to go with a talented core of guards and a front court that includes Jalen Johnson and Onyeka Okungwu.

2. Washington Wizards — F/C Alex Sarr, Perth Wildcats (NBL), France

Height/weight: 7-1, 224 pounds

In a draft filled with uncertainty, this feels like one of the most likely scenarios. Washington was horrible defensively last season, and Sarr has the potential to be a game-wrecking defender from day one.

3. Houston Rockets — Reed Sheppard, PG/SG Kentucky

Height/weight: 6-3, 182 pounds

NBA mock draft 3.0: Memphis Grizzlies trade up for a potential rookie starter (2)

Houston is still having conversations about the No. 3 pick, but there's a sense that their asking price may be high for a draft that isn't considered as strong as recent years. The Rockets may be better off holding onto the pick and drafting a player who could become an asset. Kentucky guard Reed Sheppard is a hot commodity in this draft, so Houston grabs what is the best player available, plus a great shooter who fits the team's roster makeup.

4. San Antonio Spurs — Stephon Castle, PG/SG, UConn

Height/weight: 6-7, 210 pounds

Point guard is the primary need for the Spurs, and Stephon Castle wants to be a point guard. His ability to be a two-way player should also stand out in San Antonio. Castle is one of several players who could realistically fall anywhere in the top 10. He's been trending up as of late.

5. Detroit Pistons — Matas Buzelis, F, G League Ignite

Height/weight: 6-10, 197 pounds

This pick will be telling. If the new Pistons front office doesn't believe Jalen Duren could be the center of the future, Clingan is likely off the board. Duren has been one of the most productive bigs in the NBA, and he's still just 20 years old. Detroit keeps the faith in its young center, and with a plethora of talented guards already on the roster, Matas Buzelis gives the Pistons a two-way versatile forward.

6. Memphis Grizzlies — Donovan Clingan, C UConn

Height/weight: 7-3, 282 pounds

We have a trade. One way or another, it's hard to see Clingan making it past six. The Grizzlies have reportedly been interested in trading up, and this is the best spot for Memphis to move up while not sending out too many assets. Charlotte, like Detroit, has a young recent first-round pick at center in Mark Williams. Memphis trades pick No. 9 and a future lottery-protected first to move up and get its next center. Clingan's screen-setting, playmaking and rim protection are perfects fits. He also grabbed 7.4 rebounds in 22 minutes per game.

7. Portland Trail Blazers — Ron Holland, F G League Ignite

Height/weight: 6-8, 206 pounds

Portland is a team to watch for a potential trade up because of their long list of draft assets. Staying at No. 7 could still land them one of the most talented players in the draft. The Blazers could use more size and athleticism on the wing, and Holland fills those two needs as well as anyone in this draft class.

8. San Antonio Spurs — Devin Carter, SG Providence

Height/weight: 6-3, 188 pounds

San Antonio doubles down on talented guards to pair with Victor Wembanyama and Devin Vassell. Carter was once viewed as a player who could go in the teens, but he's been receiving more buzz in recent weeks. His two-way ability will catch San Antonio's eye, plus he could fit alongside of Castle due to his shooting and ability as a secondary playmaker.

9. Charlotte Hornets — Dalton Knecht, G/F, Tennessee

Height/weight: 6-7, 212 pounds