NBA Western Conference: Most important need for each Southwest Division team heading into the NBA Draft

#3 Memphis Grizzlies

Memphis Grizzlies v Detroit Pistons

2018-19 NBA regular season: 12th seed with a 33-49 record

The Memphis Grizzlies are another team in the throes of a rebuild of their roster. At mid-season, they moved longtime center Marc Gasol to the now reigning NBA Champions Toronto Raptors for Jonas Valanciunas, Delon Wright, and C.J. Miles. One fact that was clear with the Grizzlies all year was that they could defend but could not score.

The Grizzlies were dead last in points scored at 103.5 and 25th in 3-point efficiency shooting the long ball at just 32.5%. The Grizzlies were also just 19th in assists per game. Point guard Mike Conley who played in 70 games is now likely to receive guaranteed pay through 20-21. Mike Conley is 31 years old and making over $32 million a year, so Ja Morant may find himself the Grizzlies' man at the point after the 2019 draft when the Grizzlies select 2nd overall.

With Jonas Valanciunas replacing an aging Marc Gasol, the Grizzlies have better interior scoring. They do need to find perimeter scoring and in particular good shooters. However, without a second round pick the Grizzlies' only other option is to select R.J. Barrett with the first round pick, rather than point guard Ja Morant, who shot the three in college ball at 30.8%