2016 NBA Draft: Southwest Division Draft Grades

By Isaac Harris

Jun 26, 2016

Jun 23, 2016; New York, NY, USA; Buddy Hield (Oklahoma) gestures to the crowd while standing with NBA commissioner Adam Silver after being selected as the number six overall pick to the New Orleans Pelicans in the first round of the 2016 NBA Draft at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports /

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Mar 15, 2016; Dayton, OH, USA; Vanderbilt Commodores guard Wade Baldwin IV (4) dribbles the ball during the first half against the Wichita State Shockers of First Four of the NCAA men /

Memphis Grizzlies: Wade Baldwin (17th), Deyonta Davis (31), Rade Zagorac (35th), Wang Zhelin (57th)

Memphis stood pat with 17th pick in the first round and potentially drafted their point guard of the future in Wade Baldwin out of Vanderbilt. Baldwin, who has been mentioned in comparison to a young Russell Westbrook for his athleticism, could log some big time minutes next season. This could be a sign that Memphis is unsure about retaining Mike Conley in free agency.

Memphis got arguably the steal of the draft in Deyonta Davis at 31. Davis was projected by many to be drafted in the lottery on draft night, but found himself dropping to the second round as he sat in the green room. Davis could be a long term replacement for the aging Zach Randolph and a great value at 31.

It is unsure of Zagorac and Whelin’s status for coming to the NBA, but Zagorac could provide some solid depth on the wing whenever he comes over.

With Memphis taking possibly a Conley replacement at 17, and trading up for a steal in Davis, they could be considered as one of the biggest “winners” of the draft.

Draft Grade: A

Next: Dallas