Memphis Grizzlies 2004 Draft Preview

Memphis, which was swept by the San Antonio Spurs in the first round, has played well under 70-year-old head coach Hubie Brown, who took over the Grizzlies eight games into the 2002-03 season.

Point guard Jason Williams has adapted well to Brown’s style, while Pau Gasol is continuing to flourish and become one of the top forwards in the league.

The Grizzlies have a lot of players who can play more than one position, as Shane Battier, Mike Miller, James Posey and Bonzi Wells can all play either small forward or shooting guard. Memphis needs some more size up front to compete with teams like the Lakers, Spurs and Timberwolves.

Memphis has just one selection, 49th overall, in the draft. It will be hard for the Grizzlies to do anything significant, unless they deal one of their multi-positional players to help them acquire a player that they covet.

Key Player(s): Shane Battier (forward/guard), Pau Gasol (forward), Mike Miller (forward/guard), James Posey (forward/guard), Stromile Swift (forward), Bonzi Wells (forward/guard), Jason Williams (guard), Lorenzen Wright (center).

Team Needs: Inside toughness and depth at center and power forward.

Draft picks: 2nd round (49th overall).