The Grizzlies and the #2 Pick

Granted that there’s always hope – especially when you look at the OJ Mayo deal from last year. But here’s the root cause for my concern with the Grizzlies having the 2nd pick.

Had the Grizzlies gotten the first pick, it was very easy. The glaring need for the Grizzlies is Power Forward. The best power forward in the draft is also the consensus best overall player in this draft. There’s no thought involved, and no decision to be made.

When the Grizzlies get the SECOND pick instead of the FIRST pick – that introduces DECISION into the process. And other than the Mayo trade from last year, the Grizzlies scare me when they start making decisions.

Package Rudy Gay and the Number 2 pick to the Clippers, and get the Number 1 pick and Blake Griffin. Even without Rudy you have Mayo, Gasol, Griffin and Conley who has really shown some improvement under Hollins – that’s a pretty solid 4 out of 5. Draft some depth at 27 and pick up some decent free agents that don’t cost a ton. Then you get to keep yourself well under the cap because you don’t have to give Rudy a big contract, and you’ve gotten yourself some budget free agents. And I’m not trading Rudy because he’s bad or doesn’t fit, but he’s your most tradable asset.

But whatever you do…DON’T put the Grizzlies in the position of having to make a decision of what to do with the Number 2 pick. Because the situation scares me.