22. Memphis Grizzlies: T.J. Warren (SF, North Carolina State)
Warren is an impossible player to evaluate. He and Kyle Anderson are snowflake players, guys whose games don't really replicate anyone in recent memory. The best comparison to Warren is small forwards of the 1970s and 1980s, when the mid-range jumper was emphasized rather than (often unfairly) derided.
Warren's brand of basketball is not beautiful. It's almost entirely under the rim, built on a series of funky floaters and runners in the murky middlea place that's usually a death zone for even great players. Only Chris Fouch of Drexel scored more points per game this season on runners, per Synergy Sports. He was also top 10 nationally in shots around the basket not generated by post-ups.
The Grizzlies need scoring everywhere. Their offense literally dies at times. I attended at least six funerals for it in the month of December alone. Even if it's unorthodox, Warren puts the ball in the basket in a variety of ways. Plus, he's not Tayshaun Prince.
The only issue is Warren's lack of three-point stroke. Memphis would jump on Hairston if he were available here.
