2024 NBA Mock Draft: Spurs prioritize two-way talents, Magic land surprise steal
By Reese Kunz
Pick No. 9: Memphis Grizzlies select Rob Dillingham
The Grizzlies have a solid foundational core between Ja Morant, Desmond Bane, Jaren Jackson Jr., and emerging rookie GG Jackson II. With no glaring positional weaknesses, it's challenging to predict who they will select at No. 9, especially given the uncertainty surrounding which prospects will be available at this point. They could even trade the pick to move up in the draft and choose someone like Donovan Clingan. Alternatively, Memphis could get out of the first round entirely in exchange for a more established piece to help make a playoff push.
Assuming they stay put at No. 9, the Grizzlies don’t have many roster needs, meaning they can afford to select the best available prospect. Similarly to the Spurs, the Grizzlies should be much better next season, and this could be the last year in a while that they end up selecting in the top ten; this is another reason to add as much talent as possible, regardless of fit.
In this case, the best player on the board is Kentucky guard Rob Dillingham. Teams are concerned with Dililngham’s size at 6-foot-3 and only 176 pounds, which could make him a defensive liability that gets targeted at the next level. Because of this, he’s one of the few prospects that could fall but still possesses the upside of winding up as the best player in the draft class. If any team is already elite on defense and could compensate for Dillingham’s weaknesses, it’s Memphis, between Jackson Jr., Smart, and Bane.