The Draft: A Letter to Michael Heisley

To: Michael Heisley
From: Owen Mercer
CC: Chris Wallace

Dear Michael,

You don't know me. I'm just a common man with an uncommon passion for the Memphis Grizzlies. No, I'm not a season ticket holder and no, I don't buy merchandise in the Grizz Den (or whatever the team store is called). You won't make much money off of me. I only come to games when I'm home from college and then only buy the Sonic Saver tickets.

What I lack in revenue, I make up for in passion. I come to every game I can, I follow the team colsely and engage in heated debates with friends about the Grizzlies and the NBA. To put it bluntly, being a Grizzlies fan has been a struggle. The elation of three straight playoff appearances was quashed by our failing to win a single postseason game. The next three seasons were downright miserable. Last season renewed hope within me. That we can be a successful franchise; that we can be a marketbale team; basically, that we can matter in the NBA. Now it is time to improve on the strides made last season.

That is why I am writing you; to discuss the NBA Draft. As you (hopefully) know, the Memphis Grizzlies are owners of the 12th, 25th and 28th overall picks in this year's draft. You have often said that the draft is one of the best ways to improve the team. Well, Michael, now is the time to put your money where your mouth is. I know that will be difficult for you, to put your money anywhere. You're about as free-spending as an 85-year-old on a fixed income and seem to look everywhere to cut spending. I say that to say this: please don't trade the picks for overpriced players just to save a few bucks. The payroll for the 2011 season is already $10 million less than 2010. There is value to be had in the draft.

After last season, I see two main areas that we need to improve: bench production and defense. With three first round picks, surely we can adequately address those needs. Also, Rudy Gay and Ronnie Brewer may not be around next season (althought that's another story) and we need to consider that when drafting.

Just because we don't own a high (aka top-10) pick doesn't mean we can't have a successful draft. Recently, a large number of NBA stars have been drafted later in the first round: Rajon Rondo, Danny Granger, David West amd Gerald Wallace to name a few. Does this mean we will get players like these? Not necessarily. But it does mean that we can. This may not be the deepest draft in history, but there are always diamonds in the rough waiting to be uncovered. Based on draft projections, what players might be around at 12, 26 and 28? At #12, I think Ekpe Udoh or Luke Babbit would be great selections.

Udoh is a 6'10" 237-lb. power forward who just completed his junior season at Baylor. Size-wise, he is very similar to Kevin Durant (just add 1" of height, 1/2" of wingspan and 7 pounds). Although he is nowhere close to elite as an offensive player, he has the makings of a star on the defensive end. Last season, he averaged an astounding 3.9 blocks per game. In watching film of him, you notice that he uses his length extremely well and keeps his blocked shots in play.

Additionally, he rebounds extremely well (9.8 per game), something that would fit well with the Grizz, who were one of the NBA's best rebounding clubs last season. Udoh uses his quickness to gain an edge on the defensive end, where he would make an immediate impact for the team.

His quickness also aids his otherwise-weak offensive game. He is awkward and indecisive in the post and lacks a consistent repitoire of moves. That noted, he has vastly improved his offense throughout the past few seasons and emerged as a legitimate scoring threat for Baylor (14 points per game). It is likely that he will continue his offensive development in the NBA.

Overall, Udoh is a lanky, above-average defender whose offensive misgivings will greatly improve in the NBA. Where would he fit on the Grizzlies? He would replace Captain Inept (Hasheem Thabeet) and his sidekick Lieutenant Useless (DeMarre Carroll) as a spell for Marc Gasol and Zach Randolph and would provide a positive spark off the bench. If he's around at #12, I would applaud if we took him.

If Udoh doesn't excite you, how about Luke Babbit at #12? The 6'9", 218-lb. forward from Nevada would be a great pick as well. Simply, he is one of the best scorers in the draft. Last season, he averaged 22.1 points per game (8th in the nation) while shooting 43% from downtown and 91% from the charity stripe (5th in the nation). Besides a great jump shot, he has also developed a smooth post game. Thanks to a 37.5" vertical, he's not afraid to throw down a dunk either.

Moreover, he averaged an impressive 8.9 rebounds per game last season. He uses high energy to gain the rebounding edge over bigger or faster opponents. That energy makes him effective at both ends of the floor and he would definitely bring added tempo to the Grizzlies.

What's wrong with him? He is a defensive liability due to his lack of quickness and strength. When guarding quicker small forwards, he would likely get beaten more often than not. Additionally, he may not do well down low offensively when guarded by big 7-footers.

Overall, though, he would be a phenomenal pick. His scoring, energy and high basketball IQ make him a fun player to watch and Grizzlies fans would likely take to him quickly. If Rudy Gay or Ronnie Brewer were to leave Memphis, I believe he could jump into the starting rotation right away.

Now, Michael, don't forget about our 25th and 28th picks. I know you'll probably end up trading them to save yourself some money, though. Although there is no way to tell who will be around late in the first round, here are four solid players who might be: Damion James, Elliott Williams, Armon Johnson and Quincy Pondexter.

James is a 6'7", 227-lb. small forward who just finished a stellar 4-year career at Texas. He is a top-of-the-charts athlete (3rd in the combine in the lane agility drill, 7th in the combine in the 3/4 court sprint) and uses that athleticism to guard virtually any opponent he is matched up against. Did I mention that he is one of the best rebounders in the draft? He is the Big 12's all-time leading rebounder and uses his 7-foot wingspan and 35" vertical jump to reach any ball that comes near him. His negatives are poor ball-handling, the lack of a consistent jump shot, horrible free throw shooting (63% for his career) and age (he'll turn 23 in October). However, if available, his athleticism and marked offensive improvement through college (18 points per game in 2010) may make him too sweet to pass up, especially if Rudy heads out of town.

Elliott Williams is another solid option at either #25 or #28. The 6'4", 180-lb. shooting guard from Memphis and Duke is long, athletic and quick. Offensively, the lefty is extremely effective in traffic close to the basket. He is better-suited for a shooting guard, but could run the point in a pinch. However, he is not a very good jump shooter, 3-point shooter or free throw shooter. Basically, his offensive game is limited when he's away from the basket. Defensively, his athleticism, length and quickness make him an above-average against both smaller and bigger opponents. Additionally, he has a high basketball IQ and possesses loads of potential (especially if he develops a consistent jump shot).

If he is around, I would be happy if you took Armon Johnson. As Babbit's teammate at Nevada, the 6'3" point guard averaged 15.7 points and 5.6 assists per game. He is extremely athletic and has great size for a point guard. He is not exactly a pass-first point guard, but has greatly improved at creating shots for teammates. He is a solid finisher and has a decent jumper. Picking him would also address our need at the point guard position. Mike Conley has been good but seems to leave something to be desired and Jamaal Tinsley is getting old. Johnson's drawbacks are a lack of point guard-specific skills (which is what the Grizzlies need), poor leadership skills, prone to turnovers and a shaky 3-point shot. He has potential, though, and would be a good late-1st round pick.

Finally, another good late-1st round choice would be Quincy Pondexter, a 6'7", 215 lb. small forward from Washington. He is an impressive athlete and is very strong for his size. His offensive game, which improved steadily throughout his collegiate career, consists mostly of slashing to the basket and finishing inside. He uses above average quickness and explosiveness to make up for below average ball-handling skills. His mid-range game is effective but he has an inconsistent 3-point shot. His free throw shooting (84%) is solid, which is good considering how often he gets to the line. (He finished 24th in the country last season with 178 made free throws). Defensively, he is very good and exhibits tremendous hustle in both guarding opponents and rebounding. He could effectively guard a smaller guard or a bigger forward. Overall, he is an effective scorer (19.3 points per game), practices and plays hard, defends well and would inject athleticism into the Grizzlies roster. As with James, he would also be good Rudy Gay insurance.

Well, Michael, there's my advice. Take it or leave it (you'll probably leave it). I have confidence in our scouts' ability to evaluate players and I'm sure we'll be well prepared come June 24th. Wait...what's that?? We don't have scouts?? Oh yeah, that's right. You fired them last summer. I know you're always looking to save a buck, but when we are the only team in the NBA without full-time scouts, something's wrong. It's not an accident that the NBA's playoff teams all employ several scouts.

Do you truly want to be part of a playoff team? Yes? Then start acting like it. Hire a few scouts, execute a smart draft and don't be afraid to be agressive in this offseason's negotiations. If we start winning consistently, fans will come. And those fans will bring money.

Sincerely,
Owen Mercer