Draft group photoYes, for what it needed, which was twofold: increase the talent pool at FedEx Forum and get some people on the roster that can guard in space.
With O.J. Mayo and Rudy Gay around, the Grizzlies will be able to score. Memphis needed to get better on defense to have any choice at even competing in the West. My NBA TV colleague Bruce Pearl, the head coach at Tennessee, summarized it succinctly: In his opinion, Young (the second-round gift) was the best defender at this position (small forward) in college basketball last season. DeMarre Carroll, the Grizzlies' second first-rounder, was the best defender at his position (power forward) in college basketball last season. And Hasheem Thabeet, taken second overall, was obviously the best defensive center last season. Having Thabeet will allow Lionel Hollins to move Marc Gasol from center to power forward. And all of a sudden, Memphis will go from one of the smallest frontcourts in the league to one of the biggest.
With O.J. Mayo and Rudy Gay around, the Grizzlies will be able to score. Memphis needed to get better on defense to have any choice at even competing in the West. My NBA TV colleague Bruce Pearl, the head coach at Tennessee, summarized it succinctly: In his opinion, Young (the second-round gift) was the best defender at this position (small forward) in college basketball last season. DeMarre Carroll, the Grizzlies' second first-rounder, was the best defender at his position (power forward) in college basketball last season. And Hasheem Thabeet, taken second overall, was obviously the best defensive center last season. Having Thabeet will allow Lionel Hollins to move Marc Gasol from center to power forward. And all of a sudden, Memphis will go from one of the smallest frontcourts in the league to one of the biggest.
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