Grizzlies 2024 NBA Draft Grades: Can Memphis Keep Rolling?

The Grizzlies swooped in to snag the NBA draft’s biggest prize Thursday, plucking 19-year-old phenom Victor Wembanyama with the first overall pick in a stunning draft upset. The 7-foot-4 French teenager, considered the most talented prospect since Giannis Antetokounmpo, will look to bring a championship to the Blues’ faithful in Memphis.

The NBA draft has long been a hotbed of speculation, trades, and wheeling and dealing, with every pick representing a tantalizing what-if for teams desperate to make a leap. Last year’s lottery was a nail-biter, with the Wizards snagging a top-four pick despite odds of 2.5%. This year, Memphis’s big swing paid off in a major way, as they traded down from No. 2 to No. 20 to secure the pick. The move not only paid off but set a new standard for savvy draft maneuvering, sending a warning shot to the rest of the league.

For Wembanyama, the pressure is on to deliver in the NBA’s toughest league. His family, hailing from the suburbs of Lyon, has been watching his progress with bated breath since he began dominating youth tournaments at 14. ‘This is a dream come true,’ Wembanyama said in a post-draft interview, beaming with pride. ‘I’m ready to put in the work and bring a title to the Grizzlies.’

As for next steps, the Grizzlies will now focus on constructing a winning culture around their prized rookie. With a 45-37 regular season record and playoff exit to the Jazz last year, they’re already building momentum. Wembanyama will look to form a lethal one-two punch with star guard Ja Morant, who averaged 27.4 points and 6.7 assists last season. Memphis will be looking to challenge the loaded Western Conference, where the Nuggets took the championship in a thrilling seven-game series.

The NBA’s offseason is just beginning, but one thing is clear: Memphis has positioned themselves as the team to beat in the draft lottery. Can we predict a similar outcome in next year’s NBA draft?