Memphis Grizzlies- Grade: B
Additions:
- Marcus Smart
- Derrick Rose
- G.G. Jackson
Losses:
- Tyus Jones
- Dillon Brooks
The Grizzlies have had so much drama because of Ja Morant and had a pretty interesting offseason, following said drama. They let defensive star, but annoyingly confident and offensively challenged, Dillon walk; they made an aggressive move by grabbing Marcus Smart from the Celtics; and they signed veteran sweetheart Derrick Rose.
I love Marcus Smart, and he’s a fantastic guy to help the culture in Memphis, but in no way is he a fit with Morant and Desmond Bane offensively. I know Morant has a long suspension, but the Smart move still makes little sense. I have no clue why Derrick Rose chose to be a pretty deep reserve when he could have had a bigger role with a superior franchise, but he’s a steal. I really liked the Grizzlies’ draft though, and Jackson was one of my 20 favorite players in the class, so getting him at with the 45th pick was a steal to me; he can be a starting center.
Signings:
- Desmond Bane- Grade: B
- Derrick Rose- Grade: A
Trades:
- Marcus Smart- Grade: B
Grizzlies’ 2023 NBA Draft – Grade: B
- No. 45: G.G. Jackson, C, South Carolina
- No. 56: Tarik Biberovic, F, Turkey
Jackson was a huge, huge steal at pick No. 45. He was one of my 20 favorite prospects thanks to his insane athleticism and potential. He is also a fantastic fit with Jaren Jackson, and I can see G.G. Jackson as a starter. The amount of my draft research is 48-plus hours easily, and I can honestly say that I spent 0 minutes looking into Biberovic, but with the 56th choice of the 2023 NBA Draft, why not?
