After a 12-5 start, the Grizzlies‘ season has taken an unfortunate turn, with the team having lost 17 of its last 23 games, including the last six in a row. Memphis is now tied for 13th in the West, 3.5 games back of the eighth seed, which creates an interesting dilemma for the organization as next month’s trade deadline nears.
The Grizzlies owe their 2019 first-round pick to the Celtics, but that pick is top-eight protected, meaning Memphis will hang onto it if it ends up at No. 8 or better. Currently, the Grizzlies are tied for the ninth-worst record in the NBA, as our reverse standings show. If Memphis’ struggles continue, it might be in the franchise’s best long-term interests to prioritize keeping its draft pick for next season rather than attempting to push for the No. 8 seed.
As David Cobb of The Memphis Commercial Appeal relays, general manager Chris Wallace was noncommittal when asked if the Grizzlies expect to convey that first-round pick to Boston this year or potentially keep it: “We’ll see where the season takes us at this point in time. We still have half a season to go. We’ll be prepared for either eventuality.”
Memphis is in a tough spot, since bottoming out and hanging onto that 2019 first-round pick wouldn’t necessarily guarantee that the team eventually sends the Celtics a less favorable pick. That first-rounder will become top-six protected in 2020 and unprotected in 2021 if it’s not conveyed in ’19, Cobb notes.
Here’s more from Wallace on some of the issues facing the Grizzlies, via Cobb:
On whether acquiring Justin Holiday signals that the team remains in win-now mode:
“Absolutely. We paid the price of a couple second-round draft picks to do so, and we think Justin is going to be a very productive player for us on both ends of the floor. He can shoot the three, he can score in addition to shooting the three. He can handle the ball, and he can guard on the other end. He’s someone also who our research tells us is a very high-character, winning individual.”
On whether the Grizzlies are prioritizing winning in the short term or focusing on the long term:
“We’re trying to strike a middle ground of being as good as we can in the here and now and also preparing for the future and not sacrificing anything for the future as well. That’s how you would characterize us, as a team that’s got a foot on both sides of that conundrum. Trying to be good right now and also have an outstanding future as well. I think, obviously, with Jaren [Jackson Jr.] here, that gives us a bridge to the future.”
On his assertion that the Grizzlies “definitely had good information” when they signed Chandler Parsons to a four-year, maximum-salary contract in 2016:
“Obviously, Chandler had done some interesting things as a player during his time in Houston and Dallas, and his skill-set fit what we needed. He was by far the best option at that time, so we took him. Unfortunately, he’s been injured since then, and it’s where we are today after those injuries.”
As a Celtics fan, I hope the Grizzlies stink this year and get a top 8 pick. I think the western conference is loaded, and with an aging Gasol, the Grizz are a likely lottery team moving forward. My eyes are on that unprotected 2021 pick. The Celtics have the potential for four 1st round picks this season, which would not be a good thing, since they’ll all be #10 or later. I’d much prefer to kick the Memphis pick to 2020, or more preferably 2021.
And Sacramento, will you please start losing games!
Agreed. Four 1st round picks is way too much. I believe it will convey next year. Sac have been ballin this season. Surely they’ll come down to earth eventually.
2019 is still considered a thin draft. Holding right here, with the 9th worst spot, would be perfect for the Grizz. They’ll either win a top 4 spot in the lottery, or transfer pick #9 or lower (and have their 1st’s going forward).
Is that not considered blatant tanking if Wallace says he doesn’t know whether the team is going to try to make the playoffs or tank yet, and they end up tanking? I know tanking is ok with the NBA league office as long as you don’t outright say that’s what you’re doing like Mark Cuban did. Wonder if they send out another memo for this.
Ainge: “I’ve just grown so weary of screwing over the Nets. It was just too easy. It’s time to move on to other teams draft picks.” Extended yawn here.