Here's who analysts project Memphis Grizzlies will pick in NBA draft (original) (raw)

June 8, 2026, 5:03 a.m. CT

It’s mock draft season in the NBA, and as the 2026 NBA Draft approaches, analysts are projecting which prospects make the most sense for each team.

The Memphis Grizzlies have become one of the most discussed teams in those mock drafts. The Grizzlies own picks No. 3, No. 16 and No. 32, the only franchise with three selections inside the top 35.

The NBA draft will take place June 23-24.

Here’s a look at the players most frequently connected to Memphis in recent mock drafts.

No. 3: Cameron Boozer remains the favorite

Duke power forward Cameron Boozer has emerged as the overwhelming favorite to land with the Grizzlies after they secured the No. 3 pick in the draft lottery.

Yahoo, Bleacher Report and Heavy.com all project Memphis to select Boozer, whose combination of scoring, rebounding and positional versatility would address the Grizzlies’ long-term need at power forward.

Still, Boozer isn’t the only player being linked to Memphis.

CBS Sports projects Kansas guard Darryn Peterson to the Grizzlies. He is widely viewed as one of the most talented guards in the class and is projected to go No. 2 overall in many mock drafts. However, Boozer or North Carolina forward Caleb Wilson could potentially move ahead of Peterson before draft night.

Peterson’s appeal for Memphis comes from his perimeter versatility. He can play both on and off the ball, giving the Grizzlies a much-needed dynamic creator.

No. 16: Multiple directions for Memphis

The bigger question may not be who the Grizzlies select at No. 16, but whether they will stay in that slot.

Memphis has a history of aggressive draft-night moves, and the No. 16 selection could become a trade asset depending on how the board falls.

If the Grizzlies remain in the spot, mock drafts show a wide range of possibilities.

Yahoo and Bleacher Report both have Memphis selecting Stanford guard Ebuka Okorie. Other projections link the Grizzlies to Michigan forward Morez Johnson Jr. and Texas Tech point guard Christian Anderson.

The variety reflects the roster flexibility Memphis has entering the draft. It could justify selecting a guard, wing or frontcourt player with the pick, though guard and power forward appear to be the most commonly projected positions.

One player who has gotten buzz in recent weeks is Baylor wing Cameron Carr, but he was selected just ahead of the Grizzlies in several mock drafts. If Memphis prioritizes adding a high-upside wing, the team may need to trade up.

No. 32: Searching for frontcourt depth

After several projected first-round prospects elected to return to school, the depth of the 2026 draft class took a hit.

That shift could benefit Memphis early in the second round, where multiple experienced big men are expected to still be available.

North Carolina 7-foot center Henri Veesaar has emerged as a popular projection for the Grizzlies at No. 35. Previous Commercial Appeal mock drafts also connected Memphis to UConn 6-11 center Tarris Reed Jr.

The Grizzlies already have a starting center in Zach Edey, but frontcourt depth remains a need. They could use the No. 32 pick to add another physical backup center capable of contributing early in his career.

Damichael Cole is the Memphis Grizzlies beat writer for The Commercial Appeal. Contact Damichael at damichael.cole@commercialappeal.com. Follow Damichael on X, formerly known as Twitter, @DamichaelC.