The Memphis Grizzlies are looking determined to build a promising young core after making a move late in the first round of the 2019 NBA Draft.
The Grizzlies found a way to move up to No. 21 in the NBA draft after sending their No. 23 pick along with a second round pick to the Oklahoma City Thunder. Memphis then selected Brandon Clarke, who was considered as one of the most intriguing prospects heading into Thursday's draft.
Oklahoma City has traded the No. 21 pick to Memphis, league source tells ESPN. Memphis is targeting Gonzaga's Brandon Clarke with No. 21.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) June 21, 2019
Clarke impressed scouts during his junior season in the last collegiate basketball season. He played 37 games for Gonzaga, including 37 starts, where he averaged 16.9 points on 68.7 percent shooting from the field on top of 8.6 rebounds a game. He also showed flashes of brilliance on defense, as he posted 3.2 blocks and 1.2 steals per game.
Memphis has been busy preparing for their future. Earlier in the draft, the Grizzlies selected Murray State star Ja Morant as the second overall pick — just behind consensus top pick Zion Williamson of the New Orleans Pelicans.
Morant will have big shoes to fill in Memphis after the Grizzlies opted to part ways with Mike Conley.
The veteran guard, who played his entire 12-year career in Memphis, was sent to the Utah Jazz in exchange for Grayson Allen, Kyle Korver, Jae Crowder, the 23rd pick in the draft, and a future first-round pick.
For full 2019 NBA Draft results, click here.
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