THE MEMPHIS Grizzlies added a trio of players during their two nights at the 2025 NBA Draft in Chicago as the team looks to move towards a new chapter following the trading of one of their star players.

The Grizzlies made waves when they moved star guard Desmond Bane to the Orlando Magic, with their next moves unclear given they still had the duo of Ja Morant and Jaren Jackson Jr. on the roster. While they did not make too many more moves, they still had the chance to add some key pieces at the 2025 intake.

Now, the Grizzlies have acquired three players that could have a big say in their first NBA Championship, with the most exciting prospect being their first round selection, who should see early minutes in his professional career.

Memphis Grizzlies

Drafted Players

Cedric Coward (pick 11), Javon Small (pick 48), Jahmai Mashack (pick 59)

The Grizzlies kicked off their draft by adding Coward with the 11th pick of the first round, who has capped off an incredible rise as a draft bolter to be a lottery selection in what ended up being an absolutely loaded class.

Coward is a guard out of the Washington State Cougars, and has made a name for himself as a two-way contributor with his excellent defensive abilities paired with his production as a three-point shooter on the offensive end.

Although he could do with putting on some size, he ticks a lot of boxes as an NBA prospect with athleticism and playmaking to match, and could be the ideal Bane replacement who has the ability to impact early in his career.

Moving to the second night of proceedings, Memphis’ next selection came in the form of Small, who they added with the 48th pick of the 2025 Draft. Small is an undersize point guard who makes life difficult for the opposition with his pesky nature on the defensive end which often results in a steal and transition score for his team.

Confident in his own shot, Small is also capable of making plays on the offensive end, and has a reliable jumpshot that can punish the opposition when left wide open. Likely to run the second unit behind Morant, he could be a handy weapon for the Grizzlies.

With the 59th and final pick of the 2025 NBA Draft, Memphis selected Mashack to round out their additions in Chicago. Another defensive specialist, the six-foot-five guard has made a name for himself as a lockdown player with the Tennessee Volunteers over the past 12 months.

He seems a perfect fit heading to a franchise that values the dirty work on the defensive end, and his motor, hustle and heart will make him a fan favourite in no time at all if he can get some early playing time in Memphis.

Adding perimeter defence was priority number one for the Grizzlies over the offseason, and they certainly ticked this off at the draft, acquiring a trio of players who have enormous potential on that side of the ball and could play massive roles in the future.