The Draft: T-Minus 1 Day

There are many things to discuss regarding the upcoming NBA Draft. Let's get right to them.

• The trade between the Grizzlies and the Minnesota Timberwolves (swapping our 25th and 28th picks for their 16th) has not been finalized yet and may not happen at all. According to multiple sources, the Grizzlies are weighing multiple offers to trade their draft picks and will likely not make a move until the night of the draft. Other trade in the works is a deal with the Portland Trailblazers that would give the Grizzlies the 34th overall pick and cash considerations in exchange for either the 25th or the 28th pick. Memphis GM Chris Wallace has steadfastly affirmed that the team is keeping all options in play and has not committed to anything yet. I believe him. Nothing will be clear until Thursday night, and even then details will probably be muddy.
• In an "emergency" workout yesterday, Fresno State small forward Paul George showed the Grizzlies that he is fully capable of playing shooting guard in the NBA. In a workout that the Commercial Appeal's Ron Tillery described as "impressive," the 6'9" George ran seamlessly through a variety of shooting guard drills and game situations. Tillery said that he created a buzz with his performance and that he "more than held his own" when guarding smaller guards. George initially cancelled a workout with the Grizzlies, since the presence of Rudy Gay would demote him on the depth chart. However, he showed that the Grizzlies would benefit from selecting him, since he can play either the 2 (as OJ's backup if Rudy stays) or the 3 (if Rudy leaves).
• In a final emergency workout today, the Grizzlies will evaluate Damion James, the 6'7" small forward out of Texas. James is among a long list of players the Grizzlies are considering with either the 25th or 28th picks (if they keep them).
• Every sign points to the Grizzlies keeping at least the 12th overall pick. While we are involved in numerous talks regarding our two later picks, it appears that we will keep the 12th pick. Patrick Patterson, Paul George, Xavier Henry and Luke Babbit are all options there. However, with the draft featuring many high-quality players, it's anyone's guess as to who we'll take.

Merry Christmas Eve,

Owen