Pelica Debrief
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2019 NBA Draft: Full Mock Draft 1.0 – Pelicans take 3-and-D wing

By Ethan Krieger

(Photo by William Howard/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
(Photo by William Howard/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /
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NBA Draft New Orleans Pelicans
(Photo by Brian Rothmuller/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

#8. Memphis Grizzlies: Darius Garland, G

School: Vanderbilt | Class: Freshman | Height: 6’3″ | Weight: 173 | Age: 19

Vanderbilt’s freshman point guard Darius Garland is possibly the biggest question mark in the entire NBA Draft. A case could be made for him going anywhere from 4th to 20th. The talent is unquestionable, but his health concerns are pretty substantial and could scare off a lot of teams.

Garland only saw action in 5 games this college basketball season before tearing his meniscus in his left knee. This is a significant injury than needs a lot of rehabbing. Luckily, the Grizzlies have an already fantastic guard in Mike Conley that would easily fill Memphis’ duties at the 1 until whenever Garland gets back to full strength.

The trading of Marc Gasol before the deadline signaled the beginning of the end for the Grizzlies, who will now likely go all-in on a rebuild. This probably means that Mike Conley will need to find a new home via trade soon as well. When he’s ready, Darius Garland could make this transition away from Gasol and Conley more bearable as he’s hopefully able to carry the torch and become the new top guard in Memphis.