The Memphis Grizzlies are seeking to address a lack of frontcourt depth this offseason. Memphis has the No. 3, No. 16, and No. 32 picks in a draft class rich with frontcourt talent.
What happened?
The Memphis Grizzlies’ frontcourt outlook changed in a flash. A Feb. 3 trade left Memphis without much depth after sending Jaren Jackson Jr. and Jock Landale to the Utah Jazz. Injuries to Zach Edey, Santi Aldama, and Brandon Clarke only intensified the issue.
Why it matters for Memphis Grizzlies
Suddenly, the Grizzlies were left without a true center and limited options at power forward. That remained the case through the rest of the season and is expected to be a major point of emphasis this summer.
What comes next?
This draft class appears loaded with frontcourt talent. Memphis owns picks No. 3, No. 16, and No. 32. Power forwards Cameron Boozer and Caleb Wilson both could be options at No. 3.
| Player | Height | Weight |
|---|---|---|
| Hannes Steinbach | 6-11 | 248 pounds |
| Jayden Quaintance | 6-10 | |
| Chris Cenac Jr. | 6-10 | 240 pounds |
Hannes Steinbach emerged as one of the best freshmen in college basketball this past season, averaging 18.5 points and 11.8 rebounds. At 6-11, 248 pounds, he has the size to play either power forward or center.
Last result: Houston Rockets 132-101 Memphis Grizzlies (2026-04-13). Recent form (last 5): 0W-0D-5L (LLLLL, most recent first); lost the last 5.
The Grizzlies almost certainly would need to trade up to acquire Michigan forward Yaxel Lendeborg. Jayden Quaintance may be the biggest wild card in this group. After a strong freshman season at Arizona State as a 17-year-old, Quaintance was projected by many as a potential top-10 pick.
However, injuries limited his momentum after transferring to Kentucky for his sophomore season. At his best, Quaintance is an elite shot blocker and explosive athlete who fits the mold of the modern defensive big man many NBA teams covet.
Still, the injury concerns remain a significant part of his evaluation. “Important things for me are getting the opportunity to show what I’m capable of, the trust of the coaches and just making sure I’m in an environment where they trust things I’m willing to do and have that belief in growing my game or putting in the position to learn the most possible,” Quaintance said on May 13 during the NBA draft combine.
Chris Cenac Jr. is a prospect valued more for his long-term upside than his current production. Entering the season, Cenac appeared in several mock drafts as a projected top-five pick. He averaged 9.5 points and 7.9 rebounds, but scouts remain intrigued by his physical tools and versatility.
Cenac moves well for his size (240 pounds), has promising shooting mechanics, and projects as a player capable of filling either the power forward or center role at the next level. “I’m a guy that plays hard,” Cenac said on May 13. “A guy that has a lot to bring to the table. A winner, for sure. That’s the No.1 priority, a winner.”