Grizzlies Prioritize Sweet Sixteen Scouting Amid NBA Draft Tank Job

Memphis scouts key NCAA matchups to maximize draft flexibility with two first-rounders and a top-33 pick.

Mar. 23, 2026 at 4:24am

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The Memphis Grizzlies enter the 2026 NBA Draft with two first-round picks and a high second-round selection. As the team looks to maximize its draft capital, the front office is prioritizing scouting key Sweet Sixteen matchups to evaluate prospects who could be available with their top picks.

Why it matters

With multiple high draft selections, the Grizzlies have a unique opportunity to add impactful talent to their roster through the 2026 NBA Draft. By closely scouting key NCAA Tournament games, the team can gather crucial intel on a range of prospects, from potential lottery picks to late first-round and second-round targets, to make the most informed decisions on draft night.

The details

The Grizzlies' scouting department is focusing on three Sweet Sixteen matchups in particular: Duke vs. St. John's, Arkansas vs. Arizona, and Houston vs. Illinois. These games feature a mix of high-end lottery talent, like Duke's Cam Boozer, as well as intriguing second-round prospects who could be in play for Memphis' late first-round and early second-round selections.

  • The 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament Sweet Sixteen begins on March 28, 2026.

The players

Cam Boozer

A Duke freshman and consensus top-five NBA Draft prospect whose evaluation is more about confirmation than discovery.

Darius Acuff Jr.

An explosive scoring guard for Arkansas who will be tested against Arizona's perimeter defense.

Koa Peat

An Arizona forward who could intrigue the Grizzlies as a versatile frontcourt option.

Kingston Flemings

A Houston guard facing off against Illinois' Keaton Wagler and Tomislav Ivisic in a series of direct, NBA-caliber positional battles.

Zvonimir Ivisic

An Illinois big man who can be a force when locked in, but has also shown inconsistency that could keep him pegged as a late second-round or undrafted free agent option.

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What’s next

The Grizzlies will continue to closely monitor the progress of these key Sweet Sixteen matchups, gathering valuable intel on prospects who could be available with their top draft selections.

The takeaway

By prioritizing scouting of the NCAA Tournament's Sweet Sixteen, the Grizzlies are positioning themselves to make the most of their multiple high draft picks in the 2026 NBA Draft, whether they target top-tier lottery talent or find value in the late first and early second rounds.