HISTORY IS ON GRIZZLIES’ SIDE
NBA drafts are usually focused on the top two prospects. Those players and their potential usually get the most attention.
But they are not always the picks that have the most impact on which ever franchise selects them.
The June 21 draft offers a similar situation.
There’s been some depression among fans about the Grizzlies falling to the fourth overall pick in the draft lottery despite having the secondworst record during the regular season.
Still, Memphis ending up with the fourth overall pick means they can anticipate landing a role player — a very good one.
Most of the fourth picks have been solid players and a few superstars have emerged.
Oklahoma City’s Russell Westbrook, who averaged a triple-double in each of the past two seasons, is among the best number four selections of all time. New York Knicks big man Kristaps Porzingis emerged as one of the biggest surprises in the NBA.
Porzingis and Westbrook join Chris Bosh and Chris Paul among the best
Ronald Tillery
players taken with the fourth overall pick. The Grizzlies didn’t miss when they selected Mike Conley at four in 2007.
Several teams didn’t get the pick right over the past 20 years.
Center Eddy Curry, chosen by Chicago in 2001, never lived up to the hype. Chicago took Marcus Fizer in 2000. He
Number 4s
(Since the Grizzlies moved to Memphis in 2001) Year Player School/Country – Team Josh Jackson, Kansas – Phoenix Suns played only six seasons, starting 35 total games.
Memphis picked Drew Gooden in 2002. He had an unspectacular NBA career as a journeyman. The Grizzlies traded Gooden midway through his rookie season and acquired Mike Miller from the Orlando Magic.
“It’s going to be a very attractive pick for us or teams are going to be calling,” Grizzlies general manager Chris Wallace said. “The break in the group of talent could come after four. We’re in great shape.”
2017 2016 Dragan Bender, Israel – Phoenix Suns 2015 Kristaps Porzingis, Baloncesto Sevilla – New York Knicks 2014 Aaron Gordon, Arizona – Orlando Magic 2013 Cody Zeller, Indiana – Charlotte Bobcats 2012 Dion Waiters, Syracuse – Cleveland Cavaliers 2011 Tristan Thompson, Texas – Cleveland Cavaliers
Mike Conley, Ohio State – Memphis Grizzlies
2010 Wesley Johnson, Syracuse – Minnesota Timberwolves Tyreke Evans, Memphis – Sacramento Kings 2008 Russell Westbrook, UCLA – Seattle Supersonics 2007 2006 Tyrus Thomas, Louisiana State – Portland Trail Blazers 2005 Chris Paul, Wake Forest – New Orleans Hornets 2004 Shaun Livingston, Peoria HS (IL) – L.A. Clippers 2003 Chris Bosh, Georgia Tech – Toronto Raptors 2002 Drew Gooden, Kansas – Memphis Grizzlies 2001 Eddy Curry, Thornwood HS (IL) – Chicago Bulls