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Preparations for the 2019 NBA Draft have begun at FedExForum.
Between yesterday (May 8th) and today (May 9th) the Memphis Grizzlies will have had 12 prospects in for workouts. Yes, that is without a head coach, and yes, that is with a new front office at the helm of closed workouts, meaning the media is not welcome to come watch. And no, it’s not the who’s who of the college basketball or international basketball prospect world - considering it is very possible that Memphis will not have any picks in this draft (at least at first) come May 14th’s draft lottery, that is to be expected.
The names aren’t sexy...but they are at least part of a process.
Wednesday, May 8th workout-
Marlon Hunter Jr.- Jacksonville State
Anthony Lawrence- Miami (FL)
Skylar Mays- LSU
Matt McQuaid- Michigan State
Juwan Morgan- Indiana
Josh Reaves- Penn State
Thursday, May 9th workout-
Jeremiah Martin - Memphis
Jalen Hudson - Florida
Vic Law - Northwestern
Jordan Murphy - Minnesota
Yoeli Childs - BYU
Kevin McLain - Belmont
See, told you that weren’t sexy.
In fact, of the twelve players in Memphis for workouts, none of them are in ESPN’s top 100 players available and only one (Josh Reaves) is currently projected to be a 2nd round draft pick by tankathon.com. They’re a variety of talent that had some success in college but will not pop off the screen of any draft analyst. These players are all likely to be seen as potential training camp invitees that could make the roster as a two-way contracted player, or perhaps even simply be signed to the training camp roster to have their rights for the Memphis Hustle, the team’s G-League team.
For Memphis to compete on a consistent basis, continuing to better use the Hustle would be helpful. That team should essentially serve as a junior varsity for the Grizzlies, a place to install basic scheme and develop specific niche players that can be diamonds in the rough in terms of overlooked talent. From JaMychal Green’s rise to NBA rotation player to general development of players like Jevon Carter and Ivan Rabb, the Grizzlies have made a lot of growth with the Hustle as such a territory. Don’t be surprised if that continues, potentially with a name (or two) from the list above.
And Memphis Tiger legend Martin would certainly sell some tickets in Southaven at the Landers Center.
I’ve been saying it since the tail end of the CBB season. I wouldn’t be shocked if Jeremiah Martin gets something similar to what Markel Crawford did last year. (Training camp invite that leads to Hustle contract) https://t.co/lCS1Dah66U
— Brandon Abraham (@bcabraham) May 9, 2019
Don’t worry, Memphis. If these player don’t get your mind looking forward to a brighter future for the Grizzlies, the path ahead will become much more clear on May 14th when the 2019 NBA Draft lottery takes place. Then, we will know whether or not the Grizzlies will have their own pick in the draft, and more movement should come on both the workout and head coaching front.
Stick with GBB for all your Memphis Grizzlies offseason coverage.
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