One look at the Western Conference playoffs will show what the Memphis Grizzlies are missing.

Like the Minnesota Timberwolves and Dallas Mavericks, the Grizzlies have dynamic scoring guards capable of taking over games at any moment. Ja Morant and Desmond Bane have had playoff moments where they put the Grizzlies on their backs.

But what about the frontcourt? Particularly, the center spot.

The Timberwolves just stifled three-time MVP Nikola Jokic in large part due to a trio of skilled players capable of playing center, led by Defensive Player of the Year Rudy Gobert. Dallas as the five seed just knocked off Oklahoma City, the No. 1 team in the West, thanks to a duo of centers that both came along this season and shifted the trajectory of the team.

That’s what the Grizzlies are missing. Memphis needs a center or maybe even two to be able to knock off the best teams in the West. It’s something that the front office is aware of, and now the Grizzlies must figure out how to attack the need.

Luckily for the Grizzlies, there are some talented centers in the 2024 NBA Draft. The center spot is a tricky one to draft for, considering the value of the position has gone down and this class isn’t stocked with projected lottery picks at that position.

Memphis has the ninth pick in the draft on June 26 and could move up or down the board to find a center that best fits the team needs.

Here are five centers who make sense for the Grizzlies in the draft.

Donovan Clingan

Donovan Clingan is the highest projected center in the 2024 NBA Draft if you count Alex Sarr as a forward. At 7-foot-2 and 283 pounds, he has the size to come in and make an immediate impact. He also has the talent to be an impactful rim protector, screen setter and finisher.

Projection: Top-5 first round

Zach Edey

Zach Edey is one of the trickiest prospects to measure. He was easily the most productive player in this draft, but there are questions on how that will translate. The easiest way for Edey’s college success to translate would be to put him in a situation that maximizes his strengths and covers up his projected weaknesses. He should be a skillful rim protector on defense who will easily make teams pay for switches and mismatches on offense. Just like the Grizzlies did with Steven Adams and Jonas Valanciunas, Edey can leave the floor and the more mobile Brandon Clarke can close the game in certain matchups.

Projection: Late lottery to mid first-round pick

Yves Missi

If the goal is to take an upside swing, Yves Missi might be the guy. He could play 20 minutes and be an immediate impact defender, or his lack of offensive skills could result in a year of needed development. The 7-footer is a lob threat and rim protector. Being elite at those two skills would help the Grizzlies a ton.

Projection: Mid first-round pick

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Kel’el Ware

Kel’el Ware’s profile projects the closest to Mavs center Dereck Lively’s based on makeup and skills. Like Lively, Ware is a 7-foot center who was a five-star recruit. Ware spent one year at Oregon before blossoming as an All-Big Ten defender with Indiana while scoring 15.9 points per game. Ware needs to get stronger like most young bigs, but his passing, rim-running and shot-blocking ability all project well to what Memphis needs.

Projection: Mid first-round pick

DaRon Holmes

Recent and current Grizzlies like Vince Williams Jr., Jordan Godwin and Jacob Gilyard are proof that Memphis likes Atlantic-10 players. Dayton big man DaRon Holmes has deep array of offensive skills at all three levels. He averaged 20.4 points last season and added 2.1 blocks. Listed at 6-9 without shoes, Holmes may be a little undersized, but he could be a steal.

Projection: Late first-round pick

Damichael Cole is the Memphis Grizzlies beat writer for The Commercial Appeal. Contact Damichael at damichael.cole@commercialappeal.com. Follow Damichael on X, formerly known as Twitter, @DamichaelC.

This article originally appeared on Memphis Commercial Appeal: Memphis Grizzlies in 2024 NBA Draft top center options