Grizzlies Select Potential Star Wing In Latest 2027 Mock Draft
· Yahoo Sports
The Memphis Grizzlies are hoping Cameron Boozer is a franchise-level player, but they may have a chance to draft another cornerstone next summer. Bleacher Report's latest mock draft has them selecting BYU's Bruce Branch III.
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It's an intriguing choice. A quick glance at Memphis' depth chart might suggest that they need their point guard of the future. If Zach Edey gets hurt again this year, big men will hold some intrigue as well. Branch III is, depending on who you ask, an off-guard or a wing.
But if he's the best talent on the board, it's a moot point.
Grizzlies Could Add Rare Talent in Branch III
That said, the Grizzlies could avoid anyone who doesn't complement Boozer. Luckily, Branch III is a perfect fit next to him on paper.
In this mock, the Grizzlies are landing Branch III with the eighth overall pick. Plenty can change between now and next summer, but based on the current landscape, Branch III could be a steal in this range.
He's got an athletic profile that any team would covet. Branch III is 6'7" with a 7'1" wingspan. In his senior year at Prolific Prep, he averaged 18.0 points, 10.0 rebounds, 4.0 assists, and 2.0 blocks per game while shooting 38% from three-point range.
Branch III has an impressive, well-rounded game. He's a lethal off-ball player, and he's shown some ability to create for himself as well.
So why isn't he ranked higher in this mock draft?
Branch III Needs to Be Aggressive
Let it be said that you could find mock drafts that have Branch III landing higher than eighth overall. The order is far from set in stone this far away from the draft.
That said, go back and look at Branch III's high school numbers. Yes, they're impressive — but 18.0 points per game as a senior at the high school level is not particularly impressive.
Look at presumptive number one pick Tyran Stokes. He averaged 31.0 points, 13.0 rebounds, and 6.0 assists per game as a senior. Those are video game numbers. Suddenly, Branch III's stats look pedestrian.
If anything, they don't fully reflect his potential. Branch III is a team player, and there's value in that. He's not going to hunt shots at the expense of his teammates.
Perhaps that's perfect alongside a playmaking hub like Boozer, but scouts would like to see more aggression from Branch III. If he can emerge as a high-scoring wing, this would be an excellent pick for Memphis.
Especially if Boozer already looks the part of a franchise player.