Dalton Knecht, Ron Holland and other NBA Draft prospects to watch for the Memphis Grizzlies

The NBA Draft combine is underway in Chicago, and draft prospects are under the heavy watch of several members of the Memphis Grizzlies front office.

General manager Zach Kleiman and vice president of basketball affairs Tayshaun Prince are among those in the building for this week’s combine, searching for future Grizzlies.

Memphis will pick ninth in the NBA Draft on June 26, but several prospect workouts and interviews will take place before then. Mock drafts remain undecided on who makes the most sense for Memphis, but that’s because the Grizzlies have a plethora of options.

No matter what Memphis decides, here are five prospects who stand out as first-round options.

Ron Holland

Ron Holland has been mocked to Memphis several times in recent days, even though he plays a position that’s currently loaded with depth. He’s a 6-foot-8 forward who averaged 20.6 points in 14 games with G League Ignite.

Strengths: Explosive athlete with versatility to play both forward spots.

Weaknesses: Was turnover prone with the G League Ignite and shot 23.9% on 3-pointers.

Fit in Memphis: Holland would most likely split most of his early time between the G League and spot minutes in Memphis until he's ready for a larger role in his second season.

Reed Sheppard

Reed Sheppard is one of the players who is all over the board. Some mocks have him going as high as three, while others have him falling to Memphis at No. 9.

Strengths: Shot 52.1% on 3-pointers and averaged 4.5 assists while coming off the bench. He has some of the best defensive instincts in the draft, evident by his 2.5 steals per game and ability to deflect many more passes.

Weaknesses: Sheppard (6-3) is undersized for a shooting guard and doesn't profile as a prototypical point guard.

Fit in Memphis: Memphis needs shooting. Sheppard could earn a rotation spot as a backup guard who adds shooting and becomes a defensive pest.

Dalton Knecht

Unlike the aforementioned prospects, Dalton Knecht isn’t a teenager who has to fill out physically. The 6-7 wing is 23 years old, making him one of the oldest projected first-round picks.

Strengths: A smooth shooter who is capable of posting up smaller defenders and driving past slower or bigger opponents.

Weaknesses: Never averaged more than 1.8 assists per game despite multiple seasons of over 20 points per contest.

Fit in Memphis: Knecht's shooting could get him on the floor in a reserve role for Memphis playing alongside the likes of Luke Kennard and Brandon Clarke.

Yves Missi

Yves Missi is projected to be a mid first-round pick, so this is likely an option if the Grizzlies trade down. The 6-11 big man played one season at Baylor, but he made the Big 12’s all-defensive and freshman teams.

Strengths: Missi's defensive activity and rim-running ability are automatic fits in today's NBA.

Weaknesses: Needs to expand his offensive game after showcasing a limited skill set at Baylor.

Fit in Memphis: Missi could play a small role in his rookie season until he comes along. His size and athleticism would allow Jaren Jackson Jr. to play extended minutes at power forward, and he's an active rebounder and shot blocker.

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Donovan Clingan

Donovan Clingan landing with the Grizzlies makes a lot of sense, but Memphis falling to nine in the draft lottery dimmed those chances. It’s still possible, but the 7-2 center will be a commodity because of his ability to change games on both ends.

Strengths: Clingan is one of the draft's best rim protectors, and he showcased strong playmaking that projects well into the modern NBA.

Weaknesses: At 7-2 and 280 pounds, Clingan's lateral agility must improve or NBA teams will attack him in space.

Fit in Memphis: Like a final piece to a puzzle, Clingan fits key components the Grizzlies need at center. His screen-setting, rim protection and playmaking ability would all allow him to step into a prominent role as a rookie on a contending team.

Damichael Cole is the Memphis Grizzlies beat writer for The Commercial Appeal. Contact Damichael at damichael.cole@commercialappeal.com. Follow Damichael on X, formerly known as Twitter, @DamichaelC.

This article originally appeared on Memphis Commercial Appeal: Five NBA Draft prospects to monitor for the Memphis Grizzlies