NBA Draft 2021: Mock Draft 1.0
SG. Memphis Grizzlies. Chris Duarte. 17. player. 211.
2021 NBA Draft — 17. Chris Duarte, Memphis Grizzlies
The Grizzlies have fallen into the habit of drafting good basketball players who can contribute to winning in the NBA. Not question-mark prospects, or crazy athletes with untapped potential, but rock-solid NBA-level players who play within themselves and possess a high basketball I.Q. Just look at Brandon Clarke, Desmond Bane, Xavier Tillman, and so on.
Duarte is the oldest projected first-round pick. He’s almost 24, but he’s too good to fall far because of it. His shot-making is a valuable asset in any context, while his high basketball I.Q. and competitiveness fit right in with Memphis’ culture. He would join a young and promising second unit.
Memphis is ready to take the next step, and Duarte is right in line with the kinds of prospects that franchise has gravitated towards. He has limitations athletically, and some teams are scared away by age, but don’t anticipate Memphis being one of them. The Grizzlies are ready to win basketball games.