Any excitement around the Memphis Grizzlies has shifted toward the offseason rather than the final 20 regular-season games. With a pivotal NBA draft pick that’s expected to be in the top 10, they have a chance to add a strong piece to an already impressive core (when healthy).

If the Grizzlies were solely to target need, center is an ideal selection, but this year’s draft is deep with perimeter players who can make an impact.

Memphis will learn its draft position on May 12 at the draft lottery, which will be held in Chicago. The first round of the NBA draft is June 26 at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, with the second round June 27 at ESPN Seaport District Studios in Manhattan.

The last time Memphis ended up with a lottery talent was when Ziaire Williams, the No. 10 pick in the 2021 NBA Draft, was acquired in a trade with the New Orleans Pelicans. Williams is getting an increased opportunity the past month, but he hasn’t turned into the starting forward Memphis was hopeful he’d eventually become due to injuries and inconsistent performance. The team announced Tuesday that Williams will be re-evaluated in four weeks because of a lower back injury and hip flexor strain.

Here’s who the latest mock drafts have the Grizzlies picking in the 2024 draft.

Mocks leaning toward perimeter help

With Ja Morant, Desmond Bane, Marcus Smart and Luke Kennard in the backcourt, the Grizzlies have a deep and experienced group. Vince Williams’ emergence, combined with Smart and Bane’s ability to play small forward, also gives Memphis depth there. Still, a number of mock drafts are projecting the Grizzlies to add a perimeter-oriented player despite recently trading centers Steven Adams and Xavier Tillman Sr. Here are who five recent mock drafts have the Grizzlies selecting.

ESPN: Guard Ja’Kobe Walter, BaylorBleacher Report: Guard Rob Dillingham, KentuckyThe Athletic: Forward Ron Holland, G League IgniteCBS: Forward Cody Williams, ColoradoThe Ringer: Guard/forward Kevin McCuller Jr., Kansas

Why no center?

Losing Adams and Tillman isn’t enough for mocks to believe the Grizzlies need to go for a center with their selection. Brandon Clarke, who has been recovering from an Achilles injury, has progressed well, and they also could get an older and more experienced option through free agency or a trade.

The draft isn’t deep with center prospects who would be considered top 10. Other than projected top-two pick Alex Sarr (Australian National Basketball League), no other center is getting consistent top-eight consideration. If the Grizzlies want to draft one, trading back a few picks would be the best option for value.

Grizzlies draft simulator

What if the Grizzlies could get their hands on Sarr? Well, it’s possible. The 7-foot-1 French big man has been heralded as the next game-shifting defensive anchor. Most mock drafts have the Grizzlies projected to pick in the No. 6-8 range.

The Commercial Appeal used Tankathon to conduct 20 draft simulations. Seventh was the most probable landing spot, with Memphis landing there eight times. However, it did get the No. 1 overall pick twice. That would be the equivalent of a 10% chance, so don’t close the door on the idea of Sarr coming to Memphis just yet.

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This article originally appeared on Memphis Commercial Appeal: Who some mock drafts have Memphis Grizzlies picking in 2024