Memphis Grizzlies predicted to be drafting Robert Dillingham in 2024 NBA draft at No. 9 overall

Kentucky Wildcats guard Rob Dillingham has grabbed the attention of the Memphis Grizzlies ahead of the 2024 NBA draft. And it looks like the franchise is intent on getting him as long as he remains available at the ninth selection.

HoopsHype's latest mock draft has the 6-foot-1, high-scoring freshman going at No. 9. The idea is that Dillingham will serve mostly as a backup scoring guard to the high-flying Ja Morant, whose availability and injury issues have plagued the past two seasons.

The Grizzlies are looking to shore up their backcourt scoring and eyeing an "intriguing" prospect in Dillingham, Kentucky's second-best scorer behind Antonio Reeves last season, via ESPN.

According to Sam Vecenie of The Athletic, Dillingham at No. 9 would provide the best possible fit for Memphis given the range of talent at the lower half of the lottery.

"None of the prospects in this range scream Grizzlies," Vecenie wrote. "The strength of this area of the draft is in developmental wings, and the Grizzlies already have a number of those on the roster. Still, I think Dillingham makes sense. Morant is the straw that stirs the Grizzlies’ drink, but he’s never played more than 67 games in a season."

Former Defensive Player of the Year Marcus Smart is a key cog in the plan, according to Vecenie:

"The 30-year-old Smart, now healthy after missing most of last season with various injuries, can fill in at point guard, but I love the idea of using Dillingham next to him as a scorer who can get his own shot from Day One."

After being traded from the Boston Celtics in June 2023, Smart injured his hand and played only 20 games last season for Memphis.

Where else can Rob Dillingham land in the draft?

Aside from the possibility of getting picked at No. 9, Rob Dillingham could get picked immediately before or after HoopsHype's initial projection.

Bleacher Report believes the former Kentucky guard could go to the San Antonio Spurs at No. 8. He will, however, have to contend with competition from Serbian point guard Nikola Topic and Providence's Devin Carter at this spot. Aside from that, he can also fall to No. 10 to the Utah Jazz, No. 13 to the Sacramento Kings or No. 11 to the Chicago Bulls, according to CBS Sports.