The Memphis Grizzlies’ front office did not show its hand in the days leading up to Wednesday’s NBA 2020 Draft. Starting the day, Memphis only had a second-round draft pick.
By the end of the night, the Grizzlies had entered the end of the first round and selected Texas Christian University guard Desmond Bane with the 30th pick. A 6-foot-6 shooter that Memphis has been looking for, Bane led the Big 12 in 3-point percentage as a senior.
During his time at TCU, Bane ranked first in 3-pointers made, games played and wins. And this despite not being highly recruited coming out of high school. TCU was Bane’s only Division I offer.
“It is a testament to my hard work and shows how far I have come,” Bane said of his selection. “Coach (Jamie) Dixon was big on discipline and details. Having discipline on the off the court translates to becoming the best player I can.”
With the 35th pick, Memphis selected Michigan State forward Xavier Tillman. The 6-8 reigning Big Ten defensive player of the year is considered excellent in the pick-and-roll, setting screens and rolling to the basket on offense, and as a mobile big man on defense. He was a teammate of current Grizzlies star Jaren Jackson Jr.
According to several reports, the Grizzlies signed two players — Killian Tillie, a 6’ 10” forward from Gonzaga, and Sean McDermott, a shooting guard from Butler — to two-way deals after the draft.
Grizzlies General Manager/Executive Vice President of Basketball Operations Zach Kleiman, said, “This is the vision for what we’re trying to build. …We have a type.”
Kleiman could not comment on any of the transactions because the deals have not been finalized by the NBA. With the shorten offseason by the NBA, the deals should be official on November 21 after 5 p.m. (CT).
All of the news from Kleiman wasn’t good. He said it appears Jackson will not be ready to play by the start of the NBA season in December. He did not give a timeline for Jackson’s return, but he inferred it would be sometime next year.
As for the often-injured Justice Winslow, Kleiman said he has been meeting all his progress points and is getting better. He did not say if Winslow would be in the lineup when the Grizzlies start the season.
The Grizzlies report back for camp on December 1. The first preseason game is on December 11 and the season starts on December 22.
