The 2024-25 season served as a awakening Memphis Grizzlies. Regardless of the indicators of consistency with a promising nucleus, the staff was uncovered in a number of fields: specifically the depth, the protection of the perimeter, the capturing and the physicity. NOW Geared up with a excessive -value line capital (by way of Orlando) and a brand new regime of coaches beneath Tuomas Iisalo, the Grizzlies are at a crossroads this offseason. The best growth combination, good writing in 2025 NBA draftAnd the strategic additions of free agent might shortly return them to discord, however provided that they be taught struggles that outlined final season. Consequently, with selection n ° 16 within the draft of the NBA 2025, Memphis is nicely positioned to satisfy a number of of those wants:
The Grizzlies completed eighth from the Western Convention final 12 months with a file of 48-34. Nonetheless, the Grizzlies was eradicated within the first spherical of the playoffs By Oklahoma Metropolis Thunder in 4 consecutive video games, ending with a considerably embarrassing first spherical efficiency.
Which went mistaken for the grizzly greeks and the way the NBA Draft can restore it
The Grizzlies hoped to grow to be one of many contenders to succeed in the finals of the Western Convention with the present nucleus. Nonetheless, a combination of accidents to JA MORANT, Brandon Clarke and Jaylen Wells led to an ineffective offense. In the meantime, the dearth of depth was uncovered attributable to harm issues of gamers who did not create rating alternatives when Morant was absent.
Whereas Memphis seeks to rebuild, particularly after exchanging Desmond Bane in Orlando for a number of first spherical decisions, the staff has a number of clear concern areas which have to be handled sooner or later. Earlier than commerce, the grizzly guys needed to have round $ 6 million within the ceiling house. After that, they’re about $ 4.5 million.
Wings depth and bidirectional safety
A reputation that stands out as a possible adjustment Within the draft of the NBA 2025, Thomas Sorber, a 6’10 ”middle” and 250 kilos from Georgetown. Identified for his internal presence and his previous -fashioned physique, Sorber brings a set of contrasting abilities however complementary to evolution grizzlies, and it may very well be a treasured addition if Memphis seeks to strengthen his frontal benefit with a big dependable man.
Information: Georgetown middle Thomas Sorber acquired an invite from a inexperienced room to attend the NBA draft along with his household, a supply advised ESPN. pic.twitter.com/ziagvs5zvp
– Jonathan Givony (@draftexpress) June 16, 2025
One of many greatest issues in Memphis through the 2024-25 season was its lack of inside tenacity. Grizzlies struggled to manage the glass and deserted far too many second probability factors. Thomas Sorber might immediately assist remedy this downside. It’s a pure rebounder with basic solids in a field and a large body that absorbs contact nicely. It has a median of greater than 2.2 blocks, 2.4 assists, 1.5 interceptions and rounded it up with 14.5 factors in school, and is thought to have anchored the paint with out having to chase the blocks out of place.
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Whether it is accessible at n ° 16, Sorber could be a selection of clever and stabilizing draft, the one who might contribute from the primary day whereas changing into a necessary cog of the entrance space for the following thrust of Memphis qualifiers. Nonetheless, there may very well be troublesome competitors to acquire its signature, as a result of many lottery groups have been within the Sorber on their radar.
Wonderful offense and protection
Cedric Coward might not come from a Energy 5 faculty, however its bodily instruments and its defensive ceiling draw explicit consideration from the NBA. At 6’6 ”with a wingspan of seven’2” and a vertical of 38.5 ”and a vertical of 38.5”. COWARD on common Sevem Rebounds, 3.7 assists and 17.7 factors, drawing at 55.7% FG. Edge which is nicely suited to the system of excessive depth of the brand new coach Tuomas Iisalo.
The official measures of Cédric Coward of Washington State from the draft of the NBA combines:
6’5 ¼ “barefoot, 213 lb with a scale of seven’2 ¼” and eight’10 “
Fairly spectacular measures of Duke’s potential recruit. pic.twitter.com/c51v9utgkf
– Jonathan Givony (@draftexpress) Could 12, 2025
Grizzlies have been exhibited a number of occasions on the perimeter throughout their collection in opposition to Oklahoma Metropolis, combating to comprise elite rating wings. Coward’s potential to lock the opposing guards and wings might instantly remedy this downside. Its offensive recreation continues to be in growth, however its instincts, its instruments and its benefit give Memphis an lively projected in 3 and D with a beginning potential.
Memphis lacked dependable secondary ball dealing with final season, particularly when Ja Morant missed time. Egor Demin can carry out the second unit or play alongside Domino as a shooter and connector. He provides the coherence of the photographs, stabilizes the offensive and suits completely right into a system that hieres the spacing and the motion of the ball.
Contemplate it as a low-risk and danger selection that would grow to be a superb glue man. DEMIN has a median of 10.6 factors, 3.9 rebounds and 5.5 assists whereas pulling 41.2%. He is an effective ball supervisor and may be deadly in entrance of the basket. In the meantime, it additionally has dimension and flexibility to play on or out of the ball, and might slide in numerous positions.
