Did Memphis Grizzlies reach to acquire David Roddy in 2022 NBA Draft? Here's our grade

Evan Barnes, Memphis Commercial Appeal
·2 min read

The Memphis Grizzlies moved up twice in the NBA Draft, and their second reported trade landed them Colorado State forward David Roddy with the No. 23 pick.

The trade, however, will send De'Anthony Melton to the Philadelphia 76ers. According to multiple reports, the Grizzlies will also acquire 76ers guard Danny Green. Here's how we graded the pick and the trade.

Grade: B-minus

The reason: Roddy has a unique frame (6-foot-6, 261 pounds) and averaged 19.2 points and 7.5 rebounds while winning Mountain West Player of the Year. He also shot 43.8% on 3-pointers last season, something the Grizzlies need more of, yet shot 27.8% in 2020-21.

Which number reflects his true shooting? He's physical with great leaping ability and ballhandling, but will he be quick enough for the Grizzlies' transition style offense? He had a second-round grade, per ESPN and The Athletic, so did the Grizzlies need to make this deal to move this high?

They need scoring and shot-creation off the bench. Roddy might solve that but there's questions on his defense and how effective he'll be with a step-up in competition.

Colorado State guard David Roddy (21) works against Memphis forward D.J. Jeffries (0) for a shot opportunity in the second half of an NCAA college basketball game in the semifinals of the NIT, Saturday, March 27, 2021, in Frisco, Texas. (AP Photo/Tony Gutierrez)
Colorado State guard David Roddy (21) works against Memphis forward D.J. Jeffries (0) for a shot opportunity in the second half of an NCAA college basketball game in the semifinals of the NIT, Saturday, March 27, 2021, in Frisco, Texas. (AP Photo/Tony Gutierrez)

As for losing Melton, the Grizzlies will miss "Mr. Do Something" for his hustle, defense and improved shooting. Melton, however, struggled in the postseason, and with two years left on his contract, he was a candidate as a possible trade option. He will fit well in Philadelphia because the 76ers need shooting around Joel Embiid.

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Green's future is unclear. The three-time NBA champion tore both his anterior and lateral crucial ligaments in his left knee during the Eastern Conference semifinals. His $10 million contract becomes guaranteed on July 1, and per ESPN's Bobby Marks, that has to happen so the trade can be official. The Grizzlies could use a veteran presence, but it's unlikely to be Green, who might miss most, if not all, of next season.

Giving up Melton for a smaller guard like Roddy seems like a risk, but Roddy's offensive skill package could pay off. How he improves defensively could determine if this is a reach or a hidden gem.

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You can reach Evan Barnes on Twitter (@Evan_B) or by email at evan.barnes@commercialappeal.com

This article originally appeared on Memphis Commercial Appeal: Grading Memphis Grizzlies trade for David Roddy in 2022 NBA Draft