/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/59845553/usa_today_10715266.0.jpg)
The Memphis Grizzlies continued their pre-draft prospect workouts, as there were some players they’re probably looking at for the Summer League and Hustle teams. In addition, a rising prospect highlighted the morning’s workout.
Memphis Grizzlies are holding a pre-draft workout tomm at 10:45.
— Devin Walker’s New Account (@Devin_Walker2) May 23, 2018
Players participating:
• Braian Angola (Florida State)
• Justin Bibbs (Virginia Tech)
• Chris Chiozza (Florida)
• Josh Okogie (Georgia Tech)
•Admiral Schofield (Tennessee)
• Jonathan Stark (Murray State)
Josh Okogie was the main player to watch in this pre-draft workout, as he wowed scouts and NBA execs at the NBA draft combine in Chicago. Last week, he was tied for the highest vertical (42”), and he also finished with the fastest three-quarter court sprint (3.04 seconds) and fifth-fastest shuttle run (3.03 seconds). CBSSports’ Gary Parrish has him going to the Brooklyn Nets with the 29th pick.
During the media availability, Okogie talked about his fit in former Memphis Tiger head coach Josh Pastner’s system. He also expressed that he hangs his hat on his dedication on both ends of the court.
“Guys who take pride in basketball on both ends of the court... Kawhi Leonard, Jimmy Butler, Paul George, Jrue Holiday” - Okegie when asked about who he models his game after.
— Grizzly Bear Blues (@sbnGrizzlies) May 24, 2018
There were also some familiar faces in the pre-draft workout, as University of Florida guard (and Memphian) Chris Chiozza and University of Tennessee’s Admiral Schofield worked out for the team this morning.
Schofield told the media how he wants to be a complementary player and a “great shooter” for a NBA team. He had been told by most scouts and coaches that he’d be more of a 3 at the next level as opposed to the 4 or 5. At the moment, he’s testing his draft waters and receiving feedback from NBA coaches and scouts — while maintaining college eligibility.
Tennessee’s Admiral Schofield wants to model his game after “Marcus Smart or Jae Crowder.”
— Grizzly Bear Blues (@sbnGrizzlies) May 24, 2018
I like that.
The last player for the media availability was Chris Chiozza, as he talked about what he must do to succeed as a NBA point and how he liked being back home. He proceeded to say that returning home to play for the Memphis Grizzlies would be a “tremendous opportunity.”
Availability from Chris Wallace
Before the players spoke to the media, Chris Wallace made himself available to talk about this year’s draft picks.
The main topic of discussion was the 32nd selection, as he sees great value in that pick — especially given how the Grizzlies might be out of a first-rounder next year.
However, most fans may not like what he had to say about this pick:
“The 32nd pick in this year’s draft could be more valuable than a pick in the 20’s next year.”
— Grizzly Bear Blues (@sbnGrizzlies) May 24, 2018
This statement sounds idiotic, but he has a point, as most scouts and draft experts consider next year’s draft class to be really weak compared to past years. Hitting on this pick could potentially make up for the loss of a first-rounder next season.
Wallace was also asked about the prospects of trading the pick. He expressed how anything is on the table in regards to trading up or down in the draft. However, he’s also very “comfortable” with picking 4th overall.
Finally, he closed the media availability talking about Luka Doncic and how the Grizzlies didn’t send anyone over for the Euroleague final 4 games. Wallace stated that all of the staff in the front office have seen Doncic play multiple times, a primary reason why no one was over in Europe for last weekend’s game.
He also raved about what he’s accomplished in Europe at such a young age.
“Very few players have come through Europe have done what he’s done at that age.”
— Grizzly Bear Blues (@sbnGrizzlies) May 24, 2018
It looks like someone likes Luka.
Follow @sbngrizzlies for more pre-draft updates.