BREAKING NEWS: Memphis Grizzlies give 7-foot insurance policies final look before 2025 NBA Draft……… veiw more

BREAKING NEWS coverage:Grizzlies Give 7‑Foot “Insurance Policies” Final Look Before 2025 Draft

MEMPHIS, June 23, 2025 – The Memphis Grizzlies are taking a long, calculated look at towering center prospects ahead of the upcoming NBA Draft. After a season marred by injuries and inconsistent interior play, the front office is exploring “insurance policies” in the 7‑foot mold—big men who can immediately bolster the frontcourt and offer defensive stability.

Why the Focus on Height and Depth

Without Steven Adams and having traded away Xavier Tillman Sr., the Grizzlies have found themselves thin at the 5‑man spot Pairing an NBA-ready big with Jaren Jackson Jr. has become a top priority, with current rotations lacking a dominant rim protector and rebounder .

Candidates on the Board

• Zach Edey (Purdue, 7‑4): Already has NBA experience and flashed significant potential as a traditional back‑to‑the‑basket center. He averaged 9.2 points, 8.3 rebounds, and 1.3 blocks per night while earning All‑Rookie First Team honors   However, his ankle injury remains a question mark as he recovers from surgery .
• Donovan Clingan (UConn, 7‑2+): Explosive rim protector and former NCAA champion, emotional draft buzz had Memphis eyeing a trade-up for him pre-draft
• Yves Missi (Baylor, 6‑11): A promising shot‑blocker with strong defensive timing, fitting the mold of a rotation center

Strategy: Final Interviews & Medical Checks

Memphis has wrapped final workout sessions and comprehensive medical evaluations for its center targets. The combination of skill, fit alongside Jaren Jackson Jr., and health status are being weighed heavily to decide the pick—or potential trade moves—before draft night.

Context: A Season of Instability

The Grizzlies stumbled to a disappointing 27‑55 record in 2023–24, largely due to injuries and a lack of depth, particularly in the frontcourt Veteran additions like Marcus Smart, Jaren Jackson Jr., Desmond Bane, and Ja Morant dominate headlines, but it’s the center position that has kept Memphis from returning to contender status

Looking Ahead: Impact of the “Insurance” Pick

If Memphis lands a healthy, NBA-ready big man, they’ll gain:

• A defensive anchor capable of covering ground when JJJ steps out or needs help.
• A clean shot blocker and rebounder, improving last season’s poor rebounding rate
• Roster flexibility to manage luxury tax space and avoid overpaying for depth .

With front-office precision, the right selection could reshape the Grizzlies’ identity on both ends of the floor.

 Final Take

Memphis is treating the No. 9 pick (and later spots) as a possible insurance policy on its big-man situation. Whether it’s a healthy rookie like Edey, a high-ceiling Clingan, or the NBL-style Missi, the team is determined to shore up the paint. Watch for final medical reports and team interviews to determine who lands the call on draft night.