The Memphis Grizzlies is a relatively new franchise in the NBA, as they joined the league as an expansion team in 1995 along with the Toronto Raptors. But unlike the Canada-based team, Memphis is still one of the five NBA teams never to reach the NBA Finals and one of 11 NBA teams that never won a championship, something that the Raptors accomplished in 2019.
Despite this lack of success as a franchise, they have still acquired players through the trade market and the NBA Draft to boost their NBA championship odds. Throughout their tenure in the league, the Grizzlies have shown a great eye for young talent because they were able to pick the players that helped them contend, especially in the stacked Western Conference.
Below is the list of the franchise 's three best draft picks.
Shane Battier
In 2001, Memphis selected Shane Battier as the sixth overall pick in the draft. The 6-foot-8 forward out of Duke immediately became a starter to the team and contributed an average of 14.4 points, 5.4 rebounds, and 2.8 assists in his first year, which was good enough for an All-Rookie 1st Team appearance in 2002. Battier's collegiate game translated well into the NBA, as he became a reliable two-way player.