(Photo by Brett Carlsen/Getty Images)
The Memphis Grizzlies had everything go wrong this past season and became a forgotten franchise amidst the NBA’s loaded Western Conference, slipping to a 27-55 record following injuries to nearly all of their best players.
Memphis is now looking to regroup, and part of that plan could include moving up in the NBA Draft for one of the class’s top prospects.
Michael Scotto of HoopsHype shared that the Grizzlies have spoken with several teams already selecting ahead of them about the possibility of trading up for UConn center Donovan Clingan, with Scotto pointing out that in order to pull it off, Memphis will likely have to find its way into the top three picks of the draft.
The Grizzlies have spoken with several teams selecting ahead of them about trading up for Donovan Clingan, per @MikeAScotto (https://t.co/c7wZcnqt1v).
With Clingan receiving serious interest atop the draft, Memphis will likely have to maneuver into the top-three to pull it off. pic.twitter.com/U63JTCwug3
— Evan Sidery (@esidery) June 15, 2024
This draft lacks obvious star power at the top of the board, and Clingan has been floated as a potential top-3 pick after winning two national championships in his two seasons with the Huskies.
The 7’2″ Clingan blossomed this past season and put up 13 points, 7.4 rebounds, and 2.5 blocks per game on 63.9 percent shooting and showed off a skill set that is highly coveted at the next level with his ability to protect the rim on defense and routinely throw down lobs on offense in the pick-and-roll game.
Memphis currently has the No. 9 pick in the draft and a fairly obvious need for a long-term solution at center after trading Steven Adams to the Houston Rockets this season, and Clingan would pair well alongside former Defensive Player of the Year Jaren Jackson to form an exciting frontcourt duo.
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