2024 NBA Lottery Mock Draft: Blazers swing for upside, Spurs stockpile guards

9. Memphis Grizzlies snag Matas Buzelis

Matas Buzelis falls a bit in this draft, but with such parity and uncertainty amongst the lottery prospects, someone has to. The Pistons at pick No. 5, who need a forward, are another team that makes sense as a landing spot for Buzelis. The G League Ignite forward had a relatively disappointing season, specifically as a shooter. In 26 games, Buzelis averaged 14.3 points, 6.9 rebounds, 1.9 assists, and 2.1 blocks per game on 45/27/68 shooting splits.

Entering the G League, Buzelis was known to be a better shooter than those shooting splits indicate, and his form suggests he is as well. Like many other prospects, Buzelis’ shooting will be his swing skill in the NBA. Despite the concern surrounding his shooting, Buzelis is a highly intriguing prospect. He’s a 6-foot-10 forward who has an extremely well-rounded game.

The Grizzlies are in a win-now mode with their core of Ja Morant, Desmond Bane, and Jaren Jackson Jr. Buzelis may be more of a development prospect than, say, Dalton Knecht, who many have going to the Grizzlies at No. 9. But Buzelis' upside as a 19-year-old with untapped potential is too enticing for Memphis to pass up here.