Busting Brackets
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NBA Draft 2020: Biggest needs for each Western Conference franchise

By Tristan Freeman

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - JUNE 20: The first round draft board is seen during the 2019 NBA Draft at the Barclays Center on June 20, 2019 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - JUNE 20: The first round draft board is seen during the 2019 NBA Draft at the Barclays Center on June 20, 2019 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images) /
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LAKE BUENA VISTA, FLORIDA – AUGUST 15: Ja Morant #12 of the Memphis Grizzlies (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
LAKE BUENA VISTA, FLORIDA – AUGUST 15: Ja Morant #12 of the Memphis Grizzlies (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) /

. . . Memphis Grizzlies. . team. 211

Biggest needs: Shooting guard

Projected pick: 40

The biggest loser of the NBA restart in the bubble was Memphis. They were on a glide path to the 8 seed but the new rules of a play-in hurt them tremendously, ultimately falling to Portland. The good news is that Rookie of the Year Ja Morant was incredible all season and the Grizzlies supposed rebuilding process has greatly been accelerated.

That actually makes the Boston Celtics a big loser in the 2020 NBA Draft. A previous trade between them and Memphis a few years ago had this pick looking potentially in the top-5. It’s No. 14 now, so the Grizzlies aren’t too upset with not having that pick.

The better news for the franchise is that they won’t have too much to worry about in terms of pending free agents. Wing Josh Jackson is the lone notable one and he was a reclamation project. The team also has a ton of money to spend if they want to, which will likely take care of any pressing needs.

The one area Memphis needs to improve on is three-point shooting, ranking 23rd in the league at 34%. Finding a shooting guard either in the draft or free agency will be important. Elijah Hughes of Syracuse may not make it to 40 but if he does, the Grizzlies should grab him. And projected second-round pick Cassius Stanley of Duke could be someone to take a flyer on, and give form Blue Devil Grayson Allen some competition.

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